I think I made a fool of myself a million times by gushing over people
You'd be amazed how common a reaction that one is!
The first time I went into an irc chat channel other than the Kerths the only person in there was Menolly - whose wonderful nfic I'd only just discovered. I think I embarrassed the poor woman dreadfully by freaking out and pouring gushing praise on her. Either that or she thought she had a stalker.
LabRat