First, I'd like to say that I found this off-topic message interestig.

Since I'm generally one of the unheard-from mass, I'll just stick my nose
in this time. I subscribe to both OBOL and Tweeters, as I'm sure many of
you do. And I agree with Serge that OBOL is boring to death. I like the
variety, the chatty feeling of tweeters better. (Ok, sometimes people
shout). Plus, once in a while, there is some information that I can use.
But I never know what's going to be waiting for me when I open my mail
(several times a day to cope with the volume).

I also feel secure in the knowledge that I can debate a topic if I wish
without having to apologize first that it is not a bird sighting. I guess
I think there is more to birding than where you saw that Yellow-throated
Vireo. Why is it here? What is their ususal range? Has one ever followed
you when you went out to feed the pigs?

Just an opinion.


> same thing happened then as is happening now: a few very strongly
> stated opinions from a small minority of the subscribers.
>
> But I'm not fooled into believing that this means the majority of the
> subscribers want to debate non-birding issues here. Especially in
> light of the usage statistics mentioned above.

I don't know that you can use those statistics to prove your hypothesis.
Because the non-posters are no speaking up doesn't mean they're not
interested. You can't tell what they are interested in because they are
non-posters... Anybody else want to comment? (Now there's a challenge you
can't turn down) :)

Sherrie Hockett
hocketts at vetmed.wsu.edu