I'm with you on this. I tried to keep myself quiet about this, but there
is
something that has really been bothering me about this whole off topic
message thing.
Some of the list members, and I will refrain from naming names, who seem
to
be complaining about the OT messages, often post OT messages themselves.
I,
personally, have no problem with OT. To be honest, if all we ever talked
about was scans, book synopses and copyrights, I don't think I'd stay on
this list. That gets dull after awhile. I enjoy discussing volunteer
issues,
but I also enjoy the humor and kindness of the list members. You wouldn't
see that without OT.
Anyway, a word of caution. There is no true moderator to this list. And
until a bookshare staff member tells me it isn't ok to post OT, I'm going
to. I think it's alright for everyone to have and express an opinion, but
be
kinder about your words. Don't assume the role of moderator, and try to
direct list members to do as you wish.
Lisa
----- Original Message -----
From: "Estelnalissi" <airadil@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <popularplace@xxxxxxxxx>
Cc: <bksvol-discuss@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Thursday, June 02, 2005 12:02 AM
Subject: [bksvol-discuss] Hoping we opt for friendliness andCindy isn't
unsubscribing
Dear Cindy, and List
You are such a generous volunteer, Cindy, and I've enjoyed your posts to
the Book Share Lists. We are lucky to have you and I hope the grumbling
doesn't chase you off. I will stay Lissi to save your place as the Cindy
in
this group!
Is Tony a staff member or moderator. I'm still too new to connect all of
the
names with personalities. His tone was so rigid, commanding and
uncompromising. If he is the boss, then I suppose the list and I will
comply, but the list will be poorer and colder for it.
From my perspective, the complainers are far outnumbered by listers who
appreciate the warmth and personal touches which distinguish us from
workers
with name tags.
Many volunteers make no money for the time they donate to expand our
reading
choices. Friendly messages of appreciation and interest in one another as
individuals are rewarding. The community feeling on this list inspires us
to
work together for the increased reading and individual pleasure of all.
How can the human touch be a bad thing? Aren't we capable of deciding for
ourselves whether or not to ignore particular threads and O Tees?
I'm way behind managing my e mail, but I don't expect the list to
reconfigure itself to match my pace. I've already improved my computer
skills meeting the challenge of keeping up. In my case this list only
accounts for part of the volume of messages I'm getting. I will continue
to
become more efficient at reading, sorting, filing and deleting mail and I
may unsubscribe to this or that list, but I won't be complaining to any
group about the state of my in box which I consider my responsibility to
manage.
Writing this gives me the shivers because I dread controversy, but I feel
I
have to speak up in favor of retaining the freedom to mix personalities
with
technical details. We are volunteers, not salaried, profit driven
employees.
I was touched that listers took time to thank Melissa and wish her well
and
show similar concern for others dealing with experiences from the tragic
to
joyful.
I will stay subscribed to this list because it teaches me so much that I
need to learn, but I hope it will continue to demonstrate the value of
the
contributors as well as their contributions as it did when I joined a
month
ago.
Either way --- Always With Love,
Lissi
