“My Funny Valentine”, a humor anthology, seeks submissions of very funny writing related to Valentine’s Day.

Submissions so far have tended to be columns in the Dave Barry/Erma Bombeck mold, but there’s also out-of-envelope material. We’ll look at essays, light verse, lyrics, jokes and routines: anything that is truly funny and can be printed. We won’t run anything X-rated or violating the usual taboos, but we’ll give it a look.

“My Funny Valentine” will be an attractive low-priced gift paperback, available on all online stores, and on order from any bookstore.

There is no pay but copies because the book is not aimed at profit, but promotion. All contributors will benefit from the promotional efforts of all the others (aided with support from the publishers and editors, such as videos) and the seasonal nature of the book makes it a natural for media attention.

Previous publication is not a problem, as long as you can release the rights. Work will be copyrighted for authors, but no impediment placed to later publication elsewhere. That’s a lot of the concept.

Some excellent material from a surprisingly high level of professional writers and comics has already been accepted, so just dashing something off probably won’t work unless you’re really talented. But don’t let lack of experience keep you from sending in something you think is ready for prime time.

Submissions taken until July 1, 2011. Publication will be around the first of the year.

For more details and submission address go to: [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

Are you back--I hope so--or has someone hijacked your account?

Don't pay any heed to anything Chris says, Al. Lin was not banned. He's very busy. He comes and goes like many of the other members here. Lin is welcome to post here as and when he likes.

Just like you never banned me, right? Like three times you did ban me.

LIAR

No, I did not, Chris. If your password didn't work, you could request another one. Everyone, including me, has problems logging on from time to time. I get blamed for this. Last year, Forumotion was in the process of coordinating Facebook and Forumotion log ins. At the same time, you and a group of members were intent on destroying the forum and blamed me for everything connected to the forum: log ins, accounts, deleted posts, administration and moderation. Your efforts changed nothing. No one has been banned. All members who joined can still post. Only one account has ever been deleted on the forum and that member is free to rejoin. This forum is not a fortress; it is an open forum on the world wide web. Anyone can join. Anyone can post without joining. The only time guests could not post on the forum was as a direct response to your interference and was only temporary.

Your life may be absolutely wonderful; I hope it is, anyway. Even so, I wouldn't want to lead your life; I am happy with mine. You give the impression that you are not happy with yours, no matter how wonderful it is.