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Well it was a matter of time for me to write! This will probably seem very elementary.
TRADITIONAL OPENING: I have been reading your comic since the Sunday pages(if we got the paper) when I was a kid. My siblings and I would fight over the Comic pages to see what was coming next. We couldn't afford the daily paper for the play by play happenings until I was much older or at my grandparents'.
WHAT I LIKE: I admire the wonderful family life of Elly and John and the moments that aren't so wonderful. Along with the relationship between Deanna and Mike and their kids. The simple moments in time that are expressed are highly appreciated. I don't mind the early years either since I remember those moments on some days when I took care of my little sisters.
WHAT COULD USE IMPROVEMENT: I am not so crazy about the relationship between Anthony and Lizzie...Not that anyone is doing anything wrong, but I would like to see Lizzie's character stretch a little further vs. jumping into an insta-family...perhaps some heart-to-heart between her and her parents concerning the relationship. It seems like she is flying solo, and for most of us single, very close family oriented people, that isn't quite how it is. My mother is constantly checking on me on how my life is going. It seems like there was more of that happening when she was far away from home vs now. I do like her character development that started with April.
Also, I am in the Military, currently serving in Japan and it would be nice to see some kind of reference, support or relation to service members on a day other than a National Holiday. Have them build a contact with someone who is deployed for half the year or something...it just would be nice to see some edge outside of the suburb lines.

Oh well Those are my simple thoughts on the matter.

Kaz S, Atsugi Japan

Lynn,
I have been a huge fan of yours ever since I could read. I have laughed and cried along with the patterson clan. I have 26 of your books. I love the storylines you write and the way you write them with heart and bravery. The issues you write about are awesome and keep up the great work.
One of your biggest fans,

Karla, London ON

Happy Valentine's Day from an emotional adulterer and she who was only too happy to allow him to cheat on his wife with her? Happy V-day from someone who jerked around Paul Wright, a decent guy who was willing to pick up and move to be with the woman he loved, and blamed him for the end of their relationship and didn't take a shred of responsibility upon herself for it, despite the fact she demanded he do all the moving and changing in his life and refused to do any herself and was then surprised when the relationship ended? If that's what you call love and want to celebrate, you have a very wrong, very distorted idea of what love, devotion, and commitment are. It's disgusting. Let's celebrate GENUINE love by showing Gord and Tracy. The only thing Liz and Anthony are is an example of what a dysfunctional relationship is and two people who have far too much baggage to be in a relationship with anyone right now.

Cheryl, Rochester NY

I have been reading FBorFW sense I was a kid and haved loved every minute of it. The characters grow and change just like real people. Thank you for never letting the Patterson Family stay stale and trapped in a bubble like so many comics do. However, that being said, I would like to see more new material and less (actually none) of the repeated stuff. Yes, its good, but we've been there and seen that. You have ongoing stories and I for one am more intersted in those then the "classic" issues that have been re-printed in the papers. I understand there was a reason behind this dissision to use classic material again, but honestly it is time to stop.
Thank you for all the years of enjoyment you have given me over the years. I hope you continue drawing your strip for many...many..more years to come.

Melanie, Germany

I have been a fan for many years. April's appearance gave new possibilities to the family dynamics of the Pattersons. My breath stopped when she fell into the water knowing that FBoFW is not a complete fantasy strip. To this day, my heart is broken and I still tear up just thinking about Farley's unconditional love for his family. Iris and Jim give inspiration to us all, and I've no doubt prayers have actually been said for Jim's health. If a fan can tell you that they have experienced a real emotion from reading FBoFW, then you have to know your work has gone beyond being entertaining and really touched someone's heart. Not everyone can pull that kind of result from what they do.

Not everyone finds the magic of being successful. Sooner or later though, those that do find that magic are tempted to want to 'tweak' it to make it bigger, better, or more successful. While I understand that circumstances can sometimes put a detour on the road to our goals and successes, I am saddened to see the Pattersons lives have changed along with yours.

There is no way I am the only one who was looking forward to and anticipating the future of this family. They reflect all of us in one way or another as fans have criticized the behavior of Meredith, Elizabeth, or Therese. Those same fans have also expressed their devotion to this entire collection of characters.

I fully expected to see April's choice of her future, the eventual loss of Jim, Francie's effect on her Dad's relationship with Liz, and all the other futures for this fun cast of family and friends. What I never expected was a hint of divorce (Michael and Dee, I sure hope not), retro events that could be portrayed by current characters, and "glimpses" of present characters in the future.

An occasional memory is great, jumping back and forth through time is confusing. To date, this had been a simple, straight-forward, loving family that we fans have come to love. I am so sorry to see the changes you are anticipating to make, but I am just as sure there are others who are looking forward to them.

Miki L, Illinois

I have loved this strip for 20 years but I wish Lynn would address teasing in a more productive way. As a parent my husband hated teasing because he suffered from it himself as a child. One of the things he taught me (a born teaser) was to back off, gentle down and affirm the positive. Unfortunately, my children were grown and gone before I got into The Virtues Project but they do a great job of teaching children and adults how to set boundaries and call each other to patience, kindness, cooperation, assertiveness and all the other virtues we want to instill in them. I'd love to see Mike and Dee teaching their children more respect for each other directly. Goodness knows our culture needs all the examples of respect they can get and Lynn reaches so many people. We get enough negatives out in the real world without condoning it at home.

Victoria, BC, Canada

Okay, I just recently wrote in, but I've been reading the comments on Liz and Anthony, and I wanted to share my "beans." :o)

I personally hate the relationship. I just don't think they're a good match. Liz almost seems desperate, and Anthony is still trying to get past his divorce and is trying to be a good father to his little girl. He needs adults in his life, it's true, but I don't think he's ready for a deep relationship yet...especially not with Liz. Elizabeth needs to support her friend, but she shouldn't marry him.

I don't think any of the guys Liz has had the option of dating recently have been of much worth. I still think there's someone out there that will sweep her off of her feet - not by being perfect, but by suiting her just right. And I don't think Anthony is that man.

Just my "two beans worth." :o)

Becky S, Oregon

I do believe Michael perfectly expressed how I feel today. I'm not a five-year-old boy, but right now all I want is dirt! I can't understand why, because we've had a fairly mild winter on this side of the lake, but I've got a dreadful case of cabin fever and gardening withdrawal. Yes, I've got plenty to do to keep me busy, but some dirt would sure be nice right now!

Angela, Pennsylvania