oys bro, i am not advocating any side per se of the event. i am not the one to judge which side is pale and which one is rosy either. i party as much as a normal fun-filled person does or perhaps even more :D. for me ana convention holds as much importance as any other nepali gathering here in US or anywhere else for that matter. if i happen to give you an impression that i am wearing the "idealistic coat" then here i rip it off for you ;). now there is just a sando vest to protect my integrity. :D over the past few years, i have come across people speaking for an against the event. i have no grudge or hard feelings against any of those say.everyone is entitled to their opinion. however, when somebody puts forth a rather judgemental opinion and tags ana as a "cheap flirting station" , i think its not the crux they have seen and understood of the event in its entirety. i agree that we are no rocket scientists and the 1 % (thapap jyu's stat :D) that do brainstorm and share pragmatic and/or theoretical views on the burning issues of nepal and the diaspora dwelling outside nepal cannot be result-oriented overnight. however, i feel that we are in an inception stage not only in terms of democracy, but also in terms of social, economical and technical aspects. hence the need for brainstorming and thought provoking sessions. at least it has helped me to see things on its entirety. i hope same applied to others who participates. as for John bro's story is concerned, well firstly, sajha is a common platform and secondly, Galt bro is in the driver's seat being the protagonist and the narrator of his anecdotes so he may project stuffs on his aspects. there is absolutely nothing wrong with it. moreover, he is entitled to his opinion. however, as a reader, i feel that narrating a story is one aspect and depicting the pros and cons of the social and cultural aspect of a society is another thing. as a writer grows with his writing prowess, it brings on more responsibilities and challenges on his/her shoulder in projecting sensitive issues of a society in a neutral and a just basis. Galt bro, you are one gem of a writer and an inspiration for a newbie like me. i apologize for rambling and digressing but then i felt like putting forth my opinion. i hope you won't mind me. :) Loote