Subject: Re: The Future of Tweeters
Date: Oct 29 11:14:19 1995
From: Janet Hardin - wings at olympus.net


All right, I'm tired of this.

In editing mode, I quote from Randy Deardorff:

>Now, I'm not suggesting that these people are bad, or should go away.
>I'm only pointing out that Tweeters *is* dominated by a very small
>group of highly active posters. Furthermore, that these same people
>are responsible for most of the off-topic traffic.
>
>It's like were all sitting in a circle, having our discussion. But
>we're not all in the front row, because the front row only has a few
>seats. There are many rows of seats, in concentric circles. Most of
>the people are back there, listening and learning from the discussion.
>Occasionally one of them speaks out, or even goes down to sit in the
>front for a while. My concern is this: Would the people in front care
>or even notice if everybody else just left?

Speaking as someone on one of the outer concentric circles, I have been
heartened to see several other "lurkers" speak up during this current
edition of our recurring debate. I have not personally spoken on this issue
before, and I wish I could remember the names of my fellow pseudo-lurkers
-- my apologies, but I thank you sincerely. I use my Delete capabilities to
their fullest, but do not ignore *very* many posts, and while I sometimes
weary of various threads (I can do without the slow boil feral cats give
me), I have kept track of this one.

It has been my experience that in just about any group you can name there
are always a few "in the front row" who are most vocal and outspoken. It is
always a challenge to get others to contribute to the discussion and take
action. It seems to be part of the inherent nature of human society.
Society needs *everyone.* The people in the front row are often the people
who care ardently and are most willing to take required action. They also
set themselves up to be shot down ("flamed," to use the jargon of our
medium). This takes a certain amount of courage. YES! -- these people would
care and notice "if everybody else just left."

There are indeed times when I wonder if some of the more political postings
on Tweeters are in effect preaching to the choir. In these last few days
I've seen I've been wrong in thinking that, and it distresses me. On a
personal note, I have been involved in the ancient forest/endangered
species battle either directly or (most usually) as one of the cogs in the
wheel for several years, and I am tired. It often feels it is time for
others to carry the banner. I am grateful to everyone who has taken the
time to post messages about pending legislation, letters written by Clinton
or Babbitt, etc. and to express their views. It keeps me informed when
there's so much to keep track of and I sense I'm missing something. The
debate over I-640 is a case in point: without the feedback of fellow
Tweeters, I'd feel more confused in trying to figure out the true
ramifications if it passes.

So -- to Don, Jon., Stuart, Gene and all the other outspoken "frequent
posters," keep up the good work! Thank you for taking a stand and being
willing to discuss it. The rest of us can disagree, agree, delete, or keep
silent. But we can all learn something in the process. It ALL matters to
the birds and their habitats. Let's keep Tweeters the lively and diverse
forum it is.


-- Janet Hardin (formerly also an OBOLer)
Port Townsend, WA
wings at olympus.net