I think it's great that you had the time to learn how to use Linux and much more during your old job, and I think it's admirable you spent that time on trying to improve VL when you could've been chatting, playing silly games or pick your nose

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Of course it's a shame you had to go find a new job, but let's face it: having to work for the money is something that applies for most people sooner or later. You've been very lucky you had that much time for VL on the old job, and I think so were all the people you've helped, be it here, in the chat, by developing vpackager or something else entirely.
While we're at it: thanks to ALL the people who make/made VL what it is (developers, packagers, frequent forum visitors): my favorite distro, and a friendly place to hang out and learn. There are lots of people who do or did a lot of work for VL, and they should not be forgotten.
Try to work to live, not the other way around

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