Goodbye Simone

1. 87

   SimeyCposted 11 years ago

   I just read the newsletter and learned that Simone will be leaving us soon. It is a shock and I'd love to start begging but I admire the decision and wish her the very best with her own online endeavors.
   
   For me Simone has been one of the rocks of Hubpages and I know I for one will miss her kind words, her observations and of course her bows!!!
   
   Good luck Simone!

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      TIMETRAVELER2posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I am just sick about this.  I think Simone is so good at what she does and has helped me so very much.  Simone, if you read this, I'm not too proud to beg you to stay!!!  Thank you for everything and best of luck if you do leave us.

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   2. 81

      Marcy Goodfleischposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      NO WAY!   Wow - I hate to hear this.  Say it isn't true?

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   3. 93

      lady rainposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      This can't be happening! What are we going to do without Simone?

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   4. 80

      skperdonposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      No!No!No!No! Like Marcy said. Say it isn't true!

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   5. 60

      wowtgpposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I am still new  and not so active on HubPages, but I have seen her helping a lot of people here. It's really sad to see her go.

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   6. 60

      ytsenohposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Simone is one of the real rocks within HubPages.  Her new agenda is pretty impressive.  Simone, you are a wonderful influence to your fan base in the Hubs.  Who is taking over your role?  Congratulations on your new opportunity.  That has to be exciting too.

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      Sarra Garrettposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Best of Luck to you Simone.  I know you'll be successful in your new endeavor.  Don't forget us 'peons' here at HP.

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   8. 69

      joanveronicaposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I'm so glad for Simone after reading the posts on this forum thread!  I want to join in the general opinion: I will miss you so much! Simone helped me to feel less isolated way down south in far away Chile, very much one-of-a-kind Hubber. I'll be chechking Gigaverse as soon as possible! Good lkuck and God bless!

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   9. 83

      sholland10posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Simone will be missed greatly.  So happy for her new venture but selfishly hate to see her go.  SimeyC, you're description is so accurate.  She encourages and helps anyone who asks for it.  She is amazing and will be successful at all she does.  I have already signed up for Gigaverse.  Her talent is an inspiration, and I want to keep up with what she is doing. 
      
      Simone, if you are reading this, YOU WILL BE MISSED and THANK YOU SO MUCH for all your hard work and support!

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   10. 71

       lorlie6posted 11 years agoin reply to this

       I second your words, Simey.  Simone has always been incredibly helpful to me, and lightening quick to do so.
       Above all, however, I will miss that bow!

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2. 88

   Victoria Lynnposted 11 years ago

   NO! Simone is awesome! She is one of the coolest folks around this place and has been so helpful. I second what Marcy said. Say it isn't so!!!

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3. 82

   gmwilliamsposted 11 years ago

   I am speechless at this.  I am very sad that Simone is leaving HubPages.  She is kind and encouraging.  I wish her the best of luck on her future online endeavors.

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4. 84

   justateacherposted 11 years ago

   She can't leave!!! She is my mentor in the apprenticeship program!!!

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   1. 87

      Simone Smithposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      You're nearly a graduate, justateacher! To be honest... THE APPRENTICE HAS BECOME THE MENTOR!!
      
      You will still be getting feedback from me shortly, though!

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5. 88

   Victoria Lynnposted 11 years ago

   Dadgummit. It's true. Check it out: http://blog.hubpages.com/2013/05/simone … gigaverse/

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6. 84

   justateacherposted 11 years ago

   I just saw that, too....and dadgummit is a good way to put it....I am happy for her, but what will we do without her?!?!?!?

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7. 91

   jansharesposted 11 years ago

   Wow. This is a shock. I will miss her ability to be everywhere for everybody with the same positive nature no matter what the issue. Who will fill that void? I wish you all the best, Simone. Wow.

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8. 93

   UnnamedHaraldposted 11 years ago

   Simone will definitely be missed. I think, for many of us, she was the "face" of HubPages and her support and responsiveness smoothed some of the rough edges. All the best, Simone and do drop by-- you can still be a Hubber.

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9. 95

   wildernessposted 11 years ago

   There's going to be a lot of hubbers missing you Simone - you've been an incredible asset to HP and will be leaving some mighty big shoes for Matt to fill.  Hate to see you go, but can also understand and support your reasons.
   
   I do hope you will check back in occasionally, as one of us hubbers, though!

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10. 91

    jansharesposted 11 years ago

    Simone did set the tone,
    For her my skills I honed,
    Before she leaves, we beg her please,
    To leave us with a clone.
    With this news I do moan.

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    1. 87

       Simone Smithposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       OMG OMG OMG a poem??? Holy cow, I'm feeling really special right now! O___O

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          jansharesposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          Yup. And you deserve it.

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11. 84

    GinnyLeeposted 11 years ago

    Noooooooooo!!!!!!!

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12. 62

    Greek Oneposted 11 years ago

    can we threaten anyone?

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    1. 87

       Simone Smithposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       That's the spirit! God Greek One, you're making me more loathe to depart than ever.

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13. 71

    Jenn-Anneposted 11 years ago

    Super sad to hear Simone is leaving!  Wishing her all the best.

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14. 80

    skperdonposted 11 years ago

    I've read it. She is starting her own business. I am going to miss terribly, I always look for her insight into issues. I am sorry that Simone is leaving Hubpages. I do hope that she does really, really well with Gigaverse. I am certainly to check it out now.
    
    Thank you for the Heads up SimeyC  and Thank you for the link Victoria Lynn.

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    1. 88

       Victoria Lynnposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       You're welcome, skperdon! I will definitely be checking out Simone at Gigaverse!

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          Simone Smithposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          Eeeeeee thank you!!

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          1. 88

             Victoria Lynnposted 11 years agoin reply to this

             I'm already signed up!

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                skperdonposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                Me too. We're not letting her go that easily. 

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                1. 88

                   Victoria Lynnposted 11 years agoin reply to this

                   No way! We can start our own Simone Stalkers group!

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15. 60

    kellyteamposted 11 years ago

    All the best to you Simone. Really hate to see you go. Like unnamedharald said, you are the face of hubpages for most of us. Congratulations on achieving your goals! You will truly be missed!!!

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16. 0

    Beth37posted 11 years ago

    What a shame. She added so much personality and flair all while being unwaveringly diplomatic and graceful. What a shame for us. Best of luck to you Simone!

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17. 64

    Anamika Sposted 11 years ago

    GoodBye Simone! Wishing you all the best with your Online Endeavors. You have that Golden Touch and I am sure you would succeed in whatever you do. Will miss you!

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18. 82

    mary615posted 11 years ago

    So long, Simone!  You will be sorely missed, but we all wish you the very best in your new venture.  Please keep in touch!

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    1. 87

       Simone Smithposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Shall do, mary615! And you can bet I'll be keeping tabs on y'all!

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          Barbara Kayposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          I'm really sorry to see you go. You've helped everyone so much here.

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19. 92

    vocalcoachposted 11 years ago

    Oh, Simone, how you will be missed.  I always look forward to your help in the forums.  But I wish you great joy and success in your new venture.  Thanks for everything!

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    1. 87

       Simone Smithposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Always feel free to drop me a line vai Facebook, vocalcoach! I'm here to help, no matter what. ^_^

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20. 92

    AliciaCposted 11 years ago

    Best of luck with your new business, Simone. You'll be missed very much!

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21. 0

    Beth37posted 11 years ago

    Remember to tell Matt to be personable like you. And the flair... tell him not to forget the flair!

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22. 67

    Michael Willisposted 11 years ago

    Oh my! Simone...you will be dearly missed. The community has benefited from your work and interaction here. I know I will really miss you here.
    Congratulations on your new business. Wishing you the best.

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23. 94

    agilitymachposted 11 years ago

    Oh this is very sad for us, but good for Simone.  What a loss for HubPages though.  She is a stellar employee - much like the best stellar hubs for which she always advocates.   Seriously though, Simone you are a great worker, helper and encourager.  I will miss you.

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24. 61

    Lisa HWposted 11 years ago

    Like so many others, I hate to see this news.  I second Victoria Lynn's remark about Simone being awesome. BUT, something new and exciting is always a nice thing, so wishing Simone only the nicest of things and best of luck at such an exciting time.

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25. 87

    Simone Smithposted 11 years ago

    Wow, thank you for the kind words everyone!! I'm really moved. T______T
    
    SimeyC, I truly appreciate your kind words. I feel pretty darn special that you started a thread to say goodbye!
    
    I'll be around, so it ain't no thang. Always feel free to drop me a line, and please never cease to be so incredibly awesome. I'm a fan!

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26. 67

    Michael Willisposted 11 years ago

    Here is a card for Simone.
    
    
    
    At the bottom right I created an image for you with a new hat. Pic is small when added to forums.
    
    Edit: I've helped you fix the issue with the small image!
    - ezhang

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    1. 87

       Simone Smithposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Michael Willis, that card is AWESOME.  You sure know the way straight to my heart!!
       
       MUST...OBTAIN... THAT... HAT....

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27. 72

    brakel2posted 11 years ago

    Hi Simone.  I can barely think of your leaving HP. You are one of the beautiful kind people everyone admires.  You have such tact and the ability to get along with all kinds of people. Best of luck in your new career. You will succeed. We will say we knew you when............

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28. 91

    spartucusjonesposted 11 years ago

    I will also like to add my sentiments about Simone as well. You will be missed and I truly valued your mentorship during the AP process. I feel as I should start wearing a black fascinator in your honor. My only ever contention with Simone is the fact that I AM BATMAN!
    
    Also my secret identity has signed up with Gigaverse. I am definitely intrigued by the concept.

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29. 81

    Mark Ewbieposted 11 years ago

    Simone - you ARE HubPages.  The human contact, the person who despite everything manages to keep that right tone, connecting with people, and making everyone feel like they are noticed.  I think you have done a brilliant job here.  Good luck with your new move.

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30. 90

    Rochelle Frankposted 11 years ago

    Yes, she did a great job on interacting and answering questions.. it gave us all the feeling that someone was really there for us. Wishing you well.

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31. 77

    LuisEGonzalezposted 11 years ago

    When I first started I remember Simone was one of the first to welcome me. She often gave feedback and was kind enough to critique when she needed to  but she always did so with kind words and always offered encouragement.
    
    I for one will miss her and am certain that HubPages will not be the same without her. I hope that whoever takes her place learns from her true dedication, unselfish approach and willingness to coach others.
    
    I wish her the best of luck and am very confident that wherever she goes she will have a positive impact and will somehow touch the lives of many just as I feel that she has done here.
    
    I consider myself lucky to have "known" her and will truly miss her often funny yet steadfast advice and freely given help to those that needed it.
    
    From my heart; Simone I hope one day to be able to once again "hear" your words of wisdom because in a way I feel that you are my "online" mom.

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32. 89

    Will Apseposted 11 years ago

    Whoever comes after her in the forums would do well to study her ways. I don't think anyone actually wanted to kill her, at any point. That's an achievement!
    
    Incidentally, it was good of HP to let her put that big ad for her new site and services in the blog post. Or is there an HP interest involved?
    
    Anyway, hope it works out...

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33. 93

    Melovyposted 11 years ago

    I can only echo what everyone else says here, particularly Luis. Simone, you have been a star at how you respond to people in forums, and how positive and encouraging you are. You have been a huge part of my HubPages experience, from a comment you left on an early hub I wrote, through taking part in the WTI and so much more. Before I started on HubPages I had no clue how to write online or do SEO, and your encouragement meant so much to me.
    
    Thank you for all you have done on HubPages, and the very best wishes for your new venture. I've taken a look and it looks great. I'll definitely sign up.

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34. 85

    dailytop10posted 11 years ago

    I'm a bit busy right now but such a great person like you deserves every second I'll spend to come up with this message. Thank you for all what you've done here and your kind words. You are among the few who inspired me to do better and never give up when I was just working on my first account. Thank you so much and I wish you all the best!

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35. 61

    sunilkunnoth2012posted 11 years ago

    Hi Simone Smith,
    
    It is painful to note that you leave HP. Yet joyful to note that you go for another mission with some great aims. I am sure you will succeed there also as you always go well with your target or even go beyond the calculated plan. It is sure that whatever success you have achieved is just because of one simple reason: Hard work. You always worked hard and achieved your goals. I wish you all the best in your new journey also. I have often quoted at many places that “Winners Never Quit and Quitters Never Win”. You always being a Winner, I am sure, will never quit. My prayers are there for you. Hope I can hear more positive news from you in the nearest future. With love……..

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36. 79

    Taleb80posted 11 years ago

    I admire her decision & I have submitted my request for early access to her new site.
    Hope all the best for her, we will miss her, here.

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    Writer Foxposted 11 years ago

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbad22CKlB4

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38. 88

    WryLiltposted 11 years ago

    
    
    After a previous not-to-be-named staff member who didn't help in the forums following the first Panda, Simone, you're a breath of fresh air. You give the most diplomatic answers I've ever seen to both newbies and cranky people. We'll miss you!

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       Pearldiverposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Yep... have to agree with this post..
        
       And I need to add....
       Even when you didn't understand certain senses of humor that were wrongly thought to be cranky! 
       Good Luck... change the world positively and always remember.. Extraverts Rock! 
       Take care Simone...

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    Ceres Schwarzposted 11 years ago

    I agree with what the others are saying. Simone, you will be missed . I might not have been here for long as of yet but I completely agree with the others who've said that you've always been around to help everyone with whatever problems they're having. You've always answered questions in the forums, both from me and from everyone else, helping out those who are confused, who are still new here, etc. 
    
    Thank you for all your help. Congratulations on your new business and wishing you all the best .

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40. 0

    summerberrieposted 11 years ago

    Same here, Simone. Wishing you best of luck in your new endeavors!

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41. 87

    Simone Smithposted 11 years ago

    Oh my gosh, y'all- thank you!!!! T_______________T
    
    Rest assured you will be in very good hands well after I've left. The great thing about HubPages is that the team behind it is so very passionate about helping Hubbers succeed (even when that requires short-term discomfort in the form of tightening quality regulations and whatnot).
    
    I think my heart is going to explode.

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       WryLiltposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Hubpages has become awesome I keep seeing all these "lost traffic" threads and wanting to do one telling people that Hubpages came back from Panda and worked their butts off to do it, so they definitely have our backs!
       
       I'll be keeping an eye on Gigaverse <3

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          sunilkunnoth2012posted 11 years agoin reply to this

          I have been listening to these Panda store for a few time.  Could you please explain what it is actually. I need a lengthy reply so that I can digest the matter well.  I hope others too must have the same interest. FYI, I know a little bit about it, that it is some restriction on the part of Google, but I need to understand it in detail. So pls help.

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             sunilkunnoth2012posted 11 years agoin reply to this

             I mean Panda stories not store, that was a typing mistake.

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             WryLiltposted 11 years agoin reply to this

             Google uses algorithms to decide what results should be delivered for searches. These algorithms are based on things like keywords, time on page, SEO, backlinks and lots more.
             
             Google tweaks the algorithms hundreds of times per year, but occasionally it does a HUGE change which impacts on a lot of searches. These "Big Algo Changes" usually get a name. The last two big ones have been called Panda and Penguin.

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    andyozposted 11 years ago

    Just wanted to say I've really appreciated everything you've done for the site, the community and for me Simone. You've often been there to answer my questions, have always given me good advice and I've spent many happy hours over the years listening to you prattle on on the Podcasts. We are all going to really miss you here. Thankyou.

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43. 0

    Ethan Greenposted 11 years ago

    I've never met you Simone, but I feel like I know you at least a little from watching your videos and reading all your super-clever work. I'll miss all those eccentric facial expressions - they made me smile.
    Good luck with everything that lies along your next path and thank you for all your hard work and brilliance:-)
    Ethan

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    Kangaroo_Jaseposted 11 years ago

    I read the newsletter today and saw the report that Simone Smith will soon depart from HubPages as a valuable staff member and become a former colleague and my first though was...
    
    (there is French involved) No .... Fucking ......Way
    
    Why, I thought, what utter catastrophe has occurred that Simone is LEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAving. Hence, after my rant, and throwing a few semi solid and heavy objects around the house, I then calmed down and read the letter further.
    
    Simone is leaving to start her own gig, not because the end is nigh ( I thought that something bad had happened, super glad I was wrong! ).
    You leave to do something you want to do for you in the big, wide world, , awesome, doesn't come close to a word to describe how that must be (and scary leaving to do a startup on your own )
    
    Simone Haruko Smith -
    
    Thankyou for showing the world how a person can be a true Grace Under Fire. You strive for a balance to have everyone on HubPages get what they need and come together to have an understanding when people don't get it or don't want to understand.
    
    When people are upset you are calm, then go on to explain in a reasonable manner always.
    
    Your demeanor is always exquisitely pleasant. In the forums when the shit has solidly hit the fan, you are always stoic and forever patient with Hubbers. You then continue to explain answers, clearly, politely and with much encouragement.
    
    Your approach in the forums I am sure reflect your demeanor and philosophy in life. You are - truly- one of the nicest people on the planet.
    
    I know it goes without saying - yet you will be truly missed and I am deeply grateful for your time here and the incredible amount of work you have accomplished on HubPages. Something tells me, although you will eventually no longer be an employee very soon, you will be involved @ Hubpages in some regard.
    
    In parting, I do have one question for you.
    
    Where the hell do you find the time to sleep?

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       WryLiltposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       Great post Jase! I seriously think you should be a writer. Oh wait...

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          Kangaroo_Jaseposted 11 years agoin reply to this

          

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45. 95

    PaulGoodman67posted 11 years ago

    Very sad news indeed!  Simone's friendly and professional style will be a great loss for hubbers and HP! 
    
    But life moves on, I guess, so I wish her the best of luck with future ventures! 

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    gredmondsonposted 11 years ago

    To all the people who may read this  . . .
    
       I know Simone as a co-worker, and I can say that she is in person what so many of you have written--knowledgeable, sweet, patient, helpful, positive, fun--and funny, too.  She has been a vision of light and loveliness each time she has walked through our office door.
    
    Another one of her fans,
    
    George

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       Victoria Lynnposted 11 years agoin reply to this

       That's beautiful. What a tribute!

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    seanorjohnposted 11 years ago

    That is such a shame. Simone will be sorely missed. She always came across as someone who really cared. She was patient, kind and non judgemental.

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    limorepoposted 11 years ago

    She used to reply frequently for any questions....Wish you great luck..

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    Writer Foxposted 11 years ago

    Can I have the hair bow?

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    Rosie2010posted 11 years ago

    I feel so sad to hear you're leaving Hubpages, Simone.  I feel like crying.  You are like family to us Hubbers.  I, for one, will definitely miss you... a lot.  I wish you all the best in your new endeavor.
    
    Goodbye, I hate to see you go
    But have a good time
    So long, I'll miss you, dear I know
    But have a good time
    
    Here's to more success coming your way....Cheers!
    
    

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