Editorial

Passing of a Superman
Doug Myers

In fiction, Clark Kent is the alter ego of the famous hero. For many years, Fidonet has been graced with its own Kent... though this one never changed the course of mighty rivers nor bent steel in his bare hands. In fact, Kent Anderson, though a superman to those who knew him, was not what one would consider a "power" in Fido: he was never a Coordinator, never excommunicated anyone - in fact, I don't think he was ever in the nodelist, posting from a point node most of the time I communicated with him.

But Kent was a superman where it counted to many of us who cherish the echoes of Fidonet. Not only was he a prolific poster in the echoes he frequented, but he seemed to avoid the contentious style of posting that many of us fall into... and would even calm the storm if he were passing through such arguments.

A man with this quality might seem a natural as an echo moderator, and that is a role Kent filled often and with distinction. He is probably best remembered for his stewardship and participation in the MEMORIES echo, though who could forget his unifying effect when he took over the troubled echo MODERATOR?

Kent Anderson was a moderator's moderator in more than just title, though. Many of us remember his sage advice to other moderators, and his vision of the moderator as echo steward rather than boss.

Kent passed away last Tuesday, September 5th at the age of 79. His death was not unexpected, as he'd spent his last few months in a hospice, but he'll be missed by many. It may be tempting to think of his death as a loss to Fido, but the truth is that Fidonet is forever richer for his influence. Kent was a superman where it counted most!