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Mike, Portsmouth, NH — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 20:01:23 GMT

It is an awesome comic . I have missed the older strips, and though it is interesting how they have aged, I prefer the strips when they were younger. Sometimes, the tried and true, lasts far more than all the fluff and new.

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Horace Becknell — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 20:23:01 GMT

I am 67 years old, and I, basically, subscribe to my paper for the comics. Ms. Johnston's FBOFW is by far my all time favorite. To read that she will change FBOFW is disheartening. It brings back too many memories of my own children, parents, etc., and I relish every day's strip. Please, tell her not to change it.

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Horace Becknell — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 20:26:51 GMT

I am 67 years old, and I, basically, subscribe to my paper for the comics. Ms. Johnston's FBOFW is by far my all time favorite. To read that she will change FBOFW is disheartening. It brings back so many memories of my own children, parents, etc., and I relish every day's strip. Please, tell her not to change it.

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Lee Post, Vero Beach, Florida — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 20:28:32 GMT

I am a reader from Florida who enjoys the strip and wishes she was in Toronto so she could vote in the 'guy for Liz' poll. Please, please, please don't let it be Anthony - it's a boring, obvious choice and doesn't jibe with the free spirit we've seen Liz become!!

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cindy mabina — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 20:33:59 GMT

I'm also a huge fan, but I wish she would continue with the format of watching the characters grow older. the children in the comics practically grew up along mine and her strip was always one I looked forward to reading.

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David Straub, Merrimack, NH — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 20:39:39 GMT

Love the strip. Although I do look forward to the characters growing older, I understand Ms Johnston's interest in scaling back the work. Personally, I think Anthony has grown!

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Tammy, Ludlow Falls OH — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 20:43:37 GMT

For Better or for Worse is by far my favorite comic strip of all time. I love to read about the characters and their lives. It's like a soap on paper. I'm not sure I like the idea of changing the strip, but I also don't want to see Grampa pass away. He is a delightful character. I would, however, like to see some of the older strips again. It would be like walking down memory lane again.

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Sherry Polkinghorn — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 20:46:28 GMT

I've enjoyed "the strip" for many years and I love it. As some of the character's age...it broadens the scope of the humor...like hearing the "thoughts" of grandpa as the family speculates as to what he might be trying to say...for those who are dealing with some of these health issues...it gives them some insight as to just what their loved one might really be thinking and "help them see a more humorus side of a serious situation...and hopefully brighten their day.

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Lee — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 20:47:59 GMT

I love FBOFW and enjoy the way it follows real life having the characters age. Elly and I are fairly close in age so I can sympathize with what she goes through even though our lives are vastly different. I wonder, if Liz never ages, will she ever actually pick a guy? I feel sympathetic towards Anthony sometimes but also think Liz would be better off with Warren or Paul. I really thought Paul was "the one" he seems to be straying now. So perhaps Warren can take Liz to new heights with his helicopter! And I would love to see how April turns out with her music and what happens with Michael and his family and Jim and Iris and all the rest. Sigh. Well...a non-aging cast of characters is better than none at all. Ms. Johnston really did create a family we can care about.

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Micah Lambert, Tupelo, MS — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 20:57:30 GMT

UUUUGGGHHHHH! I'm a guy in my 30's pursuing a career in the medical field. I don't have alot of time for many things other than studying but FBOFW is the only thing that I absolutely make time for each day. Watching the happenings in the lives of all the characters is my "soap opera". I would love to see the kids fall in love, get married and have kids themselves. The progression makes it just seem more real to me. After just losing my father to leukemia and Elly's father having a stroke, I felt like that other people have problems too. I know it is only a cartoon, but I feel like Lynn has at least a connection with the general public and I would hate to lose that.

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Gwen, San Jose, CA — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 20:58:35 GMT

I love this comic strip and have been reading it since the character, April, was born...it's pathetic, I know, but my mom and I talk about it every once in awhile, like the characters are our neighbors! I actually cried when Farley died. I'll be really sad when it ends...or even morphs into something else.

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Deborah, Portland, Oregon — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 20:59:19 GMT

As I raised my daughters at the same time as this "infant" strip became well known. I empathized with Elle's morning sickness,swollen feet and boiling nipples! While I will miss the format of the strip, I hope that she will allow Elizabeth to find true love as well as continuing the realism of all our lives through her characters. Good luck to the Petersons!

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Jim Carlson San Diego CA — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 20:59:28 GMT

I've been reading FBOFW since it first came on the scene. I can't tell you how many time I could relate to the characters. My dog Buck died the same day as Farley (some may not remember him). As far as I'm concerned Ms Johnston is an amazing talent and I'll be happy to read whatever she produces.

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Duffy Epstein — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 20:59:54 GMT

I read For Better or Worse every day for the same way that I read Family Circus every day- I love to criticize it. It is so sickeningly politically correct and saccharin that I talk out loud to it and want to shake that entire family.

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Ellen, Oklahoma City, OK — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 21:00:04 GMT

My husband and I discuss regularly the story line of this strip. We enjoy second guessing what will happen. These charactors feel like family and friends that you truly know. I feel as if I have a "personal" interest in the Patterson family. I hoped to have this strip for a much longer time.

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Shirley, San Agelo, TX — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 21:04:21 GMT

Even though it's only a comic strip, I hate to see the characters age and die, as with Farley the dog. FBOFW isn't the first strip to let its characters age, though: "Gasoline Alley" was way out in front on this. Even "Blondie" eventually allowed Cookie and Alexander to become teenagers, and the three puppies have disappeared, although "Daisy" the dog is still there.

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Bruce Moeller — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 21:06:48 GMT

They do belong to us. I have appreciated the way Johnston has dealt with difficult issues (homosexuality, death, aging). I'm hooked on FBOFW like others are hooked on Soaps. I really want ot seee resolution to Jim's stroke, Michael's fire and Elizabeth's relationships. As changes come, I do appreciate and thak Johnston for her contributions.

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Kris, Fairfax, Va. — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 21:10:08 GMT

Say it isn't so! First The Far Side, then Calvin and Hobbes and now FBOFW. Maybe Lynn can combine with the Classic Peanuts strips to keep us really guessing as to what's what and who's who. Catch that bone, April. I have to see what happens to Liz since she caught Paul and Susan together this morning. Don't leave us in the lurch.

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Wendy King, New Orleans LA — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 21:16:32 GMT

I really enjoy FBOFW, and have watched Liz, Michael, and April grow up, and deal with the drama and humor of graduating, getting crushes, cleaning up their rooms, losing Farley the dog, their grandmother, and doing all the other things we here in the "real world" do. Some of my favorite Sunday strips are those without words. We may never see Liz finally decide whether she'll marry/date one of her three boyfriends, or see April graduate from high school, or see Michael's kids start school, but the what-ifs will always be there, no matter what Lynne Johnston does with this strip.

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Sally Sorberg, South Bend, Ind — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 21:19:01 GMT

My sister and I both cried over the passing of "Farley" the Patterson's older dog; we would call each other every morning about the strip. I even named one of my dogs "Farley". I wouldn't mind a trip down memory lane but I still want to know what happens to the kids, etc, I mean Elly and I went through menopause together!

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Jane Lewis, Burlington, NC — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 21:22:46 GMT

considering all the uproar when farley died, freezing everybody and every dog is probably a good idea. anyone who really read the strip knew she was setting it up for farley to die and it was done very well. i will miss it as it is now but it will be interesting to see what it becomes.

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sherill skinson, Wilmington, Delaware — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 21:22:53 GMT

I love FBOFW and i would hate to see the family stuck in limbo, I would reather Ms. Johnson hold a contast for a new illustrator who could continue under her guidence. I place her charactors right up there with former shows like Dynasty, Dallas and Knots Landing. To know that my granddaughter could ond day be reading about Robin's grandchildren gives me a nice feeling.

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Lee, VT — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 21:41:05 GMT

Oh no! I love that her characters age! I'm very close in age to Liz, and I find it devastating that I'm going to age without her! This is truly sad news and I honestly don't think I'll continue to read it once the change is made. I guess I'm one of the few that would prefer that Lynn just stop the strip altogether instead of changing to non-aging characters. If she doesn't want to continue the strip as it is now, I wish she'd let another cartoonist take it over gradually, someone who will continue the story-line through generations. Lynn could still approve all developments as long as she cares to.

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Mark, Tracy, CA — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 21:45:26 GMT

I'm dissapointed in the change. Mike is only a few years (maybe 4 or 6) younger than me and I've literally grown up with him. It's like he's a younger brother and I'd hate to grow up and not have him along for the ride. But that doesn't mean I won't read it. It's always been a fantastic strip.

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Jane — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 21:50:13 GMT

Like so many other FBorFW readers, my family has grown up in conjunction with the Pattersons, and I will hate to see them not progress with their lives. Still, a mix of the old with the new is better than not having them around at all. I DO want to see the Liz relationship situation resolved, however, in the most positive way for the adventurous adult Liz has become, which in my mind means winding up with Warren, not Anthony (although he has stood by her lately). It appears Paul has forfeited his chances!

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Gayle, Atlanta, GA — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 21:59:51 GMT

I love the way the characters age with us. I don't want to see that change. Why oh why do you want to do this to us? Reading this comic is the first thing I do in the morning. I think I am addicted : )

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Jenny Smith, Toronto, Ont — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 22:07:34 GMT

My oldest son was one year older than April. After he was born and I was on leave, I started to read the strip. It would be hard to see April got frozen and my son has to grow up by himself. I would still read it though.

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Ron B. Chester, PA — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 22:09:45 GMT

Continue the aging timeline as it is now. If the pet dog can pass away, why not Grandpa? And so it goes, life goes on. And if Elizabeth chooses Anthony, the creator can kiss her royalties goodbye.

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Ryan, Baltimore — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 22:16:33 GMT

meh, this comic sucks. rarely funny and consistently bland. who cares?

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Lars Chicago — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 22:23:27 GMT

I thought comics were supposed to be funny? I agree with Duffy, it is so saccharin, it makes me sick. I understand wanting to tell a real story in your strip, but that should not compromise the humor. Some of the best comics were able to make a point while maintaining a high level of humor. Calvin and Hobbes and Bloom County specificly. FBOFW is about as exciting as sitting down to dinner with my parents... NOT!

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Joan in Illinois — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 22:27:28 GMT

It's a wonder how a "comic" can bring tears. The ones with Granpa thinking, possibly projecting, his thought are just beautiful. Lynn KNOWS us all: the joys, the foibles, the heartaches. Keep it going...in any way you can.

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Jenny — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 22:39:25 GMT

Is it me or is Liz Patterson becoming the worst Mary Sue in the history of the comics page? This girl can do no wrong. She's a master teacher right out of school (as a teacher, I find it terribly annoying and would rather see her struggle with some of the real issues of the job) and now she has THREE guys hung up on her? The other day I was kind of rooting for her helicopter to crash.

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Debbie F., Louisville, KY — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 22:57:44 GMT

Elly's pregnancy with April coincided with my own 40ish pregnancy and April is three months older than my daughter. We even lost our mothers at the same time. I can't tell you how many of those strips have been cutout and placed on my refrigerator,especially the ones during our pregnancies, and dealing with a 15 year old daughter. I feel as if we are related by experiences!

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Beverley Ritchie, Huntington Beach, CA — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 23:13:23 GMT

FBOFW and Baby Blues are my favorites. I have always felt sort of close to ms. Johnston. I am 67 and not sure how I feel about it. I love the look Elly gets on her face sometimes. you know you have been there.

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Joe, WV — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 23:17:37 GMT

Like other comments, this is a commic strip that I have looked for every day in my local paper. I identify with John, a dentist, and our children are very close to the ages of Michael and Liz. Our family has enjoyed the life events that have happened in this comic strip and we will miss not seeing what happens to the Pattersons but we will still be devoted fans.

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Arlene, Santa Clara, CA — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 23:47:50 GMT

I remember when Michael first started calling her "Lizard breath". I cheered her on when she decided to move to that little town and how she taught the kids to be proud of their "First Nations" heritage. It's probably the first time most Americans heard the term. I remember when Elly learned she was pregnant with April - a change of life baby. I remember how Farley saved April's life and cried when he lost his. And I learned about sticking my feet out from under the covers to cool off my hot flashes from Elly. If it has to change, please tie up the storylines first. Let Liz choose (Warren) and let April do something with her music (get discovered?). Let Jim and Iris sail happily into the sunset of a retirement community. Sigh. I was so hoping to see how Meredith was going to turn out.

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J. Johnston — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 23:49:24 GMT

I'm also a big fan of Ms.Johnston's strip. Have read it since the start and am glad she's continuing it. It's the first part I read in the Sunday paper! I cried like a child when Farley died...and am still saddened by it.

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Mary Orem, UT — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 00:06:38 GMT

As a middle-age woman, I enjoy following the menopausal Elly and the growth she has made in her "peaking years." Yes - this is by far my favorite comic strip. I would miss it, but will follow it as it evolves.

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Kurt Charles, Marin County, CA — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 00:20:13 GMT

This is indeed very disheartening news. I grab the comics every morning, ahead of the sports, because of the characters of FBOFW and Johnston's living, breathing storyline. I can identify with the age groups of everyone except Grampa and his stroke. This is a damn shame!

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Donna, New Florence PA — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 00:29:16 GMT

My kids are the same ages as the Patterson kids. Ms. Johnston has a great understanding of teens, tweens,young children,toddlers and infants from slang to homework to mischief to only nursing on one side. Reading her comic is the first thing I do on the computer in the morning. It is my breakfast dessert and the appetizer before I go to work. I am just happy that she is not discontinuing it altogether. She is a fantastic talent. Thank you, Lynn, for making our lives a little richer by writing about the real lives we live.

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Jacky Becker — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 00:41:05 GMT

Dont' change it!!! A lot of us live through this comic strip. It is real, it is life and to change it would be a crime!

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Funny Girl, Los Angeles, CA — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 00:46:02 GMT

It isn't funny. It isn't clever. The political correctness is stifling. Since I don't like the 'comic' strip enough to read it every day as some of you do, I confuse the characters. There are too many, and some look alike. Soap operas are better on TV.

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BJ Terry, FL — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 00:56:33 GMT

Our family loves FBOFW, I would really hate to see it end. I never thought I would get so involved in a comic strip. Whatever Ms Johnston decides to do is okay by me as long as she keeps on doing!

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Sue Mumford, Chestertown, MD — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 00:58:07 GMT

I do hope Lynn resolves current issues.And I also hope Elizabeth dumps Andrew. Jim's stroke has been a wonderful reference to those undergoing the same promblems. I will really miss this family. I may be able to change my morning paper now, as FBOFW has been my main reason for staying with it.

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Jeannie Montez, Kingman, Az — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 00:59:58 GMT

My son and I are regular readers...his life has almost paralled Mike's..they got married about the same time...his boys were born one month to a day after Robin's birth..Elly is my age...His grandmother passed away the same day that Grandpa Jim had his stroke..we will both miss following the strip daily..I read it on line everyday...I love the eyes. The first time I saw them blink I thought I was seeing things.

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Kathy Contreras, Sun City, CA — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 01:02:19 GMT

My husband and I have been hooked on FBOFW for years. We, too, also cried when Farley died after saving April. This strip truly relates to the average person. FBOFW is the first thing I read every day, before the headlines. Please continue what you are doing. We have her books of previous strips.

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Nancy Landskroener — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 01:50:18 GMT

Please. There must be some other option. As some have said, maybe another cartoonist and staff, with Lynn guiding the story line? Lynn is a master of the correct verbage for the age group. As a grandmother, I can appreciate that she's got every character down pat! I, too, have lived through many years of the Pattersons, and don't want to face a morning without them. I used to run down to the mailbox to get my FBOFW "fix". Then I discovered I coud access it online and go to the mailbox after I'm out of my PJs and robe. Please, Lynn, try to come up with an alternative. You're still young, and the stip means so much to so many. I want to see John get that small house and rent it to Michael until he's ready to move it, after April graduates.

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Sue, Leander TX — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 01:58:48 GMT

I agree that FBOW is one of the best comic strips around. I'll miss watching the characters grow up and out. Elly has brought to life all of the horrors of a woman going through menopause and all of the wonders of growing secure in herself. I hope I can do as well. Yes, I know she's a fictional comic strip character, but Lynn has made very real to me.

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Wendy, Forest Grove, Oregon — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 02:41:14 GMT

My turn. I guess this would be the "for worse" part. I have this strip, and this strip only, e-mailed to me daily. I would very much like to see it continue - as is. I want to know what they grow into, or where they end up. By allowing the characters to age, there's room for unlimited possibilities. Having them frozen in time... well, I could start having "insert comic strip here" e-mailed instead.

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Joe P., St. Louis, MO — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 06:18:01 GMT

A couple of weeks ago, Fox Trot (one of my favorite comics) apparently went to a Sunday-only schedule. Now Johnston is going to go into re-runs. That can be okay sometimes (I still love reading Calvin and Hobbes, and my comics server is re-running Fox Trot). But those were disjointed strips that had no sense of "real time" to them - even if a given strip continued over several days, C&H and FT never aged. The captivating thing about FBoFW was that it was real-time. John and Ellie are close to me and my wife in age, and it has been interesting (even inspirational) to see them dealing with the issues of people nearing retirement. I can understand Johnston's wish to back off of the grind of producing a daily strip, but I agree with other readers who wish she would hand the strip over to other writers. That was done with the strip "Sally Forth," and a switch of creators can be done without disrupting the sense of the strip itself. And yes . . . Liz should dump Paul, stay "friends" with the dip-wad Anthony, and fly off into the sunset with Warren. And Michael should have his book become a best seller. And Amber (and her group) should become "famous" and put that snooty (I ferget her name) in her place. Jim and Iris should do a mutual suicide thingy. John and Ellie should move to Saskatchewan, open a bed and breakfast, and begin their retirement. Just kidding on some of the story lines.

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Bill McGovern,Hoosick Falls,N.Y. — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 08:13:56 GMT

I am disappointed to hear about the freezing of plotlines for FBOW since I would want to find about Michael's kids and Liz and April etc. Blondie and Family Circus never age either

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Heather, Richmond, VA — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 14:47:19 GMT

I am the same age as Liz, so naturally I am drawn to her character and storylines. I can't believe that after being cheated on once before by Eric that Lynn would have her be cheated on again. She is a smart, beautiful, independent woman and to have her cheated on twice is ridiculous. Anothony broke her heart before and she has grown up since then. Why set her back by going with the loser with serious baggage. Not to mention, his mustache is totally nasty. Please have Liz settle down with a good guy. No more cheaters (twice is once more than enough) no more losers. Warren is who Liz should end up with. He is romantic and adventurous, just like Liz. There is a reason why he keeps showing up in her life.

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Mary Orem, UT — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 14:59:31 GMT

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Kim S., Washington, DC — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 19:03:42 GMT

It's wonderful to read how many people have been touched by a "comic strip". I felt like so silly crying in the lunchroom at work when Farley died only to be told by 3 other people that they had read the it that morning and had cried too! Like others, this is a "must read" everyday. I can understand that Lynn wants to retire and I guess it is the way of life intruding. But, I'd at least like to see Liz with Warren, Grampa well on the mend and Mike's book published. It's hard letting go, but hey Lynn what a fabulous tribute! And for those few who criticized the comic, don't read it, it's okay, obviously there are enough of us who love it.

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Kari, Tetonia, ID — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 19:09:15 GMT

When the newspaper would arrive at our farm, this strip was always the first thing I read. I am the same age as "Mike" in the strip. We both graduated from college w/a journalism degree and have written books. Like many others have written, I like that the characters age. P.S. I think Liz should end up with Warren.

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Lisa Moore, Mt. Clemens, Michigan — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 20:27:24 GMT

I am so torn about this decision. I don't want to say good-bye to Grandpa Jim but I also love that the Pattersons age and change. If someone wants to read an old strip, then buy the books. Mike ended up with his first crush so why does Elizabeth have to as well? Anthony just seems kind of nerdy and weak and Elizabeth deserves better. FBOFW is one of the best cartoons out there and I hoped it would continue for many years. (sigh)

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Jay, Carrollton, GA — Fri, 12 Jan 2007 21:31:23 GMT

I used to be a fan of the strip, but it is simply far too unreal now, if you ask me. Liz, that paragon of virtue, reniged on her teaching contract after claiming how much she loved it up north and after Paul transfered in order to be closer to her. She went back home the minute she discover Anthony the loser was a free man again but didn't admit it to Paul, and now apparently Paul is cheating on her. This, after Lynn has made such a big deal about "Mr. Wright" and how much he'll do for Liz. Baloney. Any time Lynn wants to end a relationship, the non-Patterson character ALWAYS cheats on the Patterson, so the heroes of the family will remain pristine in their smug little world. Lynn has some good ideas and issues to bring to the comics page, like introducing Shannon, the special needs child - but then Lynn ruins every single idea by making the Patterson family so saintly, she ends up patronizing the special issue. They are ALWAYS the ones who learn their little Brady Bunch lessons about truth and justice, despite their goofy little 'mistakes', and usually with a horribly lame joke in the last panel. And let's not forget Michael ignoring the needs of his little family so he can run back into a fire to save a laptop with his dreadfully stilted manuscript on it. (Backup copies, hello?) I kept hoping Lynn would snap out of it and get honest in her 'real' strip, but she won't so sure, let the strip get frozen in time. They are perpetually smug and self-righteous anyway, so nothing would change.

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Aurora Zaworonok, New Westminster, BC — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 05:29:45 GMT

I have read FBOFW since I was little. We actually bought a house that Lynn Johnston and her family lived in. My parents have said she is one of the nicest people they met. I am sad to see the strip coming to an end, but I do look forward to see it frozen in time as I was quite upset when Farley died. My mother, sister and I all cried when Farley saved April and died on the river bank. I am proud to say that I am a fan of FBOFW, and I intend to continue reading the comic as long as it is in the newspaper. Thank You Lynn for all the wondeful memories and years of great reading.

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Christopher, Santa Cruz, CA — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 16:21:50 GMT

I've loved how she's made it real time. However, like when Lawrence came out to Mike in high school, I thinkshe's gotten a lot of flak for hitting controversial subjects, remember Farley? Family dog who saves Aprils young life at the cost of his own. She definitely got a bit for doing that. I'm of the minority that thinks that maybe a family member should die so that people can see how grief of a family member is felt throughout the community. It's HIGHLY controversial, however, death is also highly inevitable.

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Barb L., Grandview, WA — Sun, 14 Jan 2007 01:31:03 GMT

I hate to see changes, but that is what life is about. FBOFW has touched my heart in many ways-Births, deaths, even areas that other comics have not touched upon such as sexual subjects. A couple of areas that I can identify with is a child getting married, another moving away and HOT FLASHES!!! Watching Elly getting up in the middle of the night to fan herself really hits home!!! :) I love this comic. Many times it is the only one I take time to read. Thank you Lynn Johnston, I support you in whatever way you decide to go with FBOFW.

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R. Sue Dodea, St. Clair Shores, MI — Sun, 14 Jan 2007 03:05:12 GMT

Like many here, FBoFW is a daily "must" for me. It doesn't take much effort to trust Lynn to do the best for all -- herself, her art, her readers. Certainly she deserves to explore and experience her own life now. Let's all wish her the best and look forward to the innovations to come.

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EA, Atlanta, GA — Sun, 14 Jan 2007 06:48:56 GMT

I think that Lynn Johnston will lose a lot of FBorFW fans if she freezes time in the strip. The reason why it has lasted as long as it has is because it is in real time. I know that many people enjoy the comic seriousness of FBorFW and I don't think it would be as effective if the storyline freezes. If Ms. Johnston insists on freezing time in the strip, however, I hope she wraps up the current storylines with Grandpa Jim's stroke, Mike and Deanna's fire and Elizabeth's relationship (I'll be the odd one and vote for Anthony. After all, he did save her from the guy at the landscaping shop.)

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Kingkong Dartmouth NS — Sun, 14 Jan 2007 21:55:58 GMT

You have to check out http://joshreads.com/ for thousands of others crazy for that "roadside" comic

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Judie Blake, Frankfort, KY — Mon, 15 Jan 2007 01:52:18 GMT

I love FBOFW!! I don't want it to change, but such is life....just don't stop!!!

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Julie, Massachusetts — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 15:56:02 GMT

I adore FBOFW and while I am happy to hear it will be continuing, I am a little sad that the characters will not continue to evolve. That is part of what I had loved about the strip over other comics, it wasn't the same characters, stuck in the same situation over and over, it was real.

For Better, For Worse, For Hybrid

Shannon Proudfoot, Ottawa, Ont. — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 19:35:18 GMT

I'm a reporter working on a story about fans' strong emotional attachment to the characters and plotlines in FBOFW, and I'd like to speak to a couple of people (ideally Canadians) for the story. If you're interested, please contact me at sproudfoot AT canwest DOT com. I'm hoping to run this story early next week, so I'd love to speak to some fans asap. I'm especially interested in people's reactions to the twists and turns of Liz's love life. Thanks!

For Better, For Worse, For Hybrid

Bob Lowell, Casselberry, Florida — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 20:27:05 GMT

My entire family enjoys the strip, and I think I know why so many people follow it so closely, while others seem to just dislike it. It sort of takes the place of the good old days when we had neighbors/relatives with whom we had regular contact. Each had their own daily trials and tribulations, and we cared about them, helped them, sympathized with them, and paid attention to their lives. In today's society, we have become so insulated from others due to the frenzy with which we pursue "life" that we have no time or opportunity for such things. Thus, we invite the Pattersons into our homes, and learn from them how life is proceeding outside our own walls. I'm sorry to see the strip fade. However, I survived the loss of Calvin & Hobbes, and I suppose I'll survive this.

For Better, For Worse, For Hybrid

Tim, South Dakota — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 22:22:11 GMT

I like the strip as it is, with the characters aging like the rest of us. It is nice to see the evolution, and a relief from the other comics that never age, never evolve. I will always remember the death of Farley while saving April, and even the Anthony conundrum is interesting. This strip was really interesting since it showed real life and aging, and I am happy that it will continue in one form or another.

For Better, For Worse, For Hybrid

Ruth, Hightstown, NJ — Fri, 19 Jan 2007 15:20:08 GMT

I am 60 years old and FBOFW was always the first topic of conversation between my mom and me. She loved it and I still do. It's the first thing I read every morning. In fact it's in my "favorites" on my computer and I read the newsletter. I like the fact that the family has changed and grown up rather than stay young forever. I will miss that when the strip changes. I think Liz will go with Warren the helicopeter pilot. The police officer "done her wrong" and Anthony's life is a disaster. Thanks Lynn for giving me something fun to look forward to everyday and to keep my Mom's memory alive.

For Better, For Worse, For Hybrid

Don Smeller, San Antonio, TX — Sun, 21 Jan 2007 14:55:33 GMT

My three kids are each one year younger than Micheal, Elizabeth and late to arrive April. The middle child has become a teacher. A rock band has recently emerged. I read FBOFW for it's predictive value.

For Better, For Worse, For Hybrid

Claire, Northern Colorado — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 01:15:36 GMT

When they introduced the new teacher and that Paul knew her, it was a big neon sign to me that Paul would dump Elizabeth and go for the new teacher. It bothered me so much so I complained to my boyfriend who doesn't read the comic, poor guy. Whether done on purpose or by accident, Johnson made Anthony the type of man you warn your daughters about, telling them to stay far far away. But it seems that Johnson's less than subtle foreshadowing favors Anthony. I have liked this strip for a long time because Elizabeth was such a fiesty smart capable young woman. I liked relating to her and her choices. I guess that is why a cartoon character's choice would be such a let down for me if she went with a needy clingy man. I hope Johnson bucks her trend of having the kids end up with blond blue eyed types and sets Elizabeth up with more rugged looking Warren. Oh well. I do like her idea of a hybrid strip. For those of us who haven't been readers from the beginning, it'll be a nice chance for us to see more of the strip

For Better, For Worse, For Hybrid

JC, Clarkston, MI — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 14:43:15 GMT

Sorry, folks, but I like COMICS for the COMIC value. I still read FBOFW (I read almost all of them), but too often over the years the soap opera side creeps way too far in. If I wanted drama, I'd read Mary Worth. But, at least LJ doesn't get quite as heavy handed as Funky Winkerbean has been.

For Better, For Worse, For Hybrid

Johnnie Thomas Fulton, Ms. — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 03:06:59 GMT

By letting her people in the comic strip grow up and leave home, get married and have babies, makes Ms.Johnson strip the only one I read other than Garfield.Please Ms. Johnson don't mess with a good thing.In my life this is my out look on how to live it "it is not broke don't fix it". Ms. Johnson just think about that for awhile and you will understand. Thank you, Johnnie Thomas

For Better, For Worse, For Hybrid

Harold, Palm Springs, California — Sun, 28 Jan 2007 18:41:14 GMT

Personally, I'd rather see Lynn only do the Sunday comics in which the characters would still age than daily comics where nothing changes and we get "reruns." Like many who've posted before me - I'm incredibly disappointed that I'll be losing a family that I've invested so much of my life in. Sadly, I won't read her strip any longer when it goes to the hybrid stage. That's not why I've spent so many years anxiously waiting to see what's next in store for the Pattersons - apparently - nothing.

For Better, For Worse, For Hybrid

Anonymous — Fri, 02 Feb 2007 20:04:57 GMT

In 3 jaar tijd afkomen van je schulden

For Better, For Worse, For Hybrid

Elsie Morris Lethbridge, Alberta Canada — Sun, 25 Feb 2007 04:23:28 GMT

I have been reading the comic strip since it first came out especially since the characters grow and get married. I would like it to continue in the same format.I want to see Liz married. My choice is Anthony.Warren is too far away but if Liz chooses him, it's OK too. When we come home from holidays I go to the newspaper office to get caught up on FBOW.

For Better, For Worse, For Hybrid

Morgan, Colorado Springs, CO — Sat, 02 Jun 2007 20:38:30 GMT

I've read FBOFW from its onset and enjoy it, especially the beauty of Johnston's drawings, and while it is one of the more intelligent strips out there, I do think it has become a bit stale and bland over the years. Like most of the strips in the papers today, I don't think it has garnered a real laugh from me in years. I still read the funnies every day, but it's as if all of the artists write with a morbid fear of offending anyone, so they stick to this schmaltzy, Hallmark-y type of "humor" that rarely makes me laugh, although they may be writing under the constraints of their editors. I continue to read them in remembrance of strips past that used to make me laugh (Peanuts really did used to be funny, way back when)-- strips such as Calvin & Hobbes, FBOFW in its early days, The Far Side, etc., and in the hopes that this milquetoast brand of humor will abate someday. There are some strips I wish would die altogether, such as Family Circus and Red & Rover (a boy and his dog: THAT'S never been done before). I'll always read FBOFW; I just wish it would come alive again.

For Better, For Worse, For Hybrid

Chuck Miller, Jacksonville, Fla. — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 01:27:14 GMT

FBOFW should keep the characters aging, and the flashbacks should be at a minimum... say a couple each year for a couple of weeks each. The fact that the characters age is one of the fascinating things about it. Contrary to some of the remarks earlier, I find most of the strips funny! If the flashbacks are done to excess, then the strip will lose much of its charm and the storyline will just drag on way too long. It is perfect like it is!!!

For Better, For Worse, For Hybrid

Kathy — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 21:24:41 GMT

I'm a fan of FBORFW changes in the characters, their lives and ages. Life doesn't stop for us to reminisce all the time. I agree with the fans who would rather see a Sunday only strip with the family moving forward. Thanks Lynn for years of joy.

For Better, For Worse, For Hybrid

Dennis Mattson, Las Vegas, Nevada — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 18:17:37 GMT

DEAR GOD... Don't pair Elizabeth with Anthony....

Anthony is a dweeb, gives me the willies... Liz is much too cool for him.... I like the helicopter guy...

If they pair up... I will never read the strip again..

For Better, For Worse, For Hybrid

dan briddell — Sun, 16 Sep 2007 00:00:35 GMT

With the strip staying at a certain age, will Farley come back. I miss him like he belong to my family

For Better, For Worse, For Hybrid

marion hammond, milledgeville, georgia — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 12:35:28 GMT

This is the reason I read FBOFW every morning before anything else, the aging part, I want to see Elizabeth get married, not necessarily to Anthony, possible Warren, and see April graduate, and Grandpa with the stroke, he can't stay in that condition forever, want to see him talk again. Sorry that you having the hand tremor, I hope that you can continue with the aging process as we all have grown up with the Pattersons. I cried when Farley died, and cried when Grandpa had a stroke, that happened in my life,
I really feel sad about this decision to not age them.
I don't want to see the cartoon change, so sad.

For Better, For Worse, For Hybrid

Pauline Dingle, Topsham, Maine — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 17:21:10 GMT

I love FBOW and follow it every day in our local newspaper. My name is Pauline Dingle and my husband's name is Bob Dingle. I wonder what ever happened to Mrs. Dingle???? I was blown away when in a strip she was talking about her husband Bobby????? I teach middle school and of course my students enjoyed the similarities between your Mrs. Dingle and myself. (I don't wear rollers anymore.) Anyway, what ever happened to her character? Keep writing!