Thanks, Jim. Hopefully, any attacks against members will stop.
Ginny Alverson: President, USBCA
On Mar 22, 2021, at 4:16 PM, <blindadrenaline@xxxxxxxxx>
<blindadrenaline@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Got it on this end, very well said and thanks for the clarification.
And thanks for all you do Jim to support the blind chess community.
Che
From: usbca_chess-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx <usbca_chess-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> On
Behalf Of JT
Sent: Monday, March 22, 2021 2:16 PM
To: usbca_chess@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Cc: 'JT' <hazelnutt2001@xxxxxxxxx>
Subject: [usbca_chess] List Moderator Sends: Please Read and Acknowledge Receipt
All,
There seems to be some confusion as to whether this List is moderated. I
believe it was from Alan Dicey that I accepted the role of moderator, back when
the List was still on yahoogroups. In fact, moving it from yahoogroups to
freelists was one of the first things I did. Since I choose to moderate with as
light a hand as possible, I am not surprised that folks are unaware of, or have
forgotten about, my position. I have personal issues with authoritarianism, so
I avoid wherever possible coming down in an authoritarian posture. But,
sometimes, there are circumstances…
First: as to the guidelines for this List:
This List is of, by, and for blind chess players. It is the purpose of the US
Blind Chess Association, and it is the role of the usbca_chess List to
encourage, promote, enable, and, where possible, improve chess played by all of
our members.
To foster and promote a healthy and safe learning environment, I intend to
maintain the policy that games of any quality may be submitted for discussion.
This List is not now, nor has ever been, nor will ever be, exclusively for
expert players. Therefore, ridiculing, derogatory, or disparaging remarks will
not be tolerated. If anyone feels that a particular game is unworthy of their
time and attention, then simply be quiet. Saying so is entirely unnecessary,
and is, in all likelihood, counterproductive.
Next, Members have, in the past, expressed concerns over discussions involving
remuneration. However, coaching is a significant, even critical, aspect of
improving one’s play. Until quite recently, there has been virtually no
expressed desire, however, for active coaching. In fact, members may recall
that not so long ago, both our mentors, Chris Ross and Tyson Mordue, and a
couple other members, raised concerns that no one seemed willing or interested
in submitting games to our List for discussion. I, for one, am delighted that
we are finally experiencing a surge of interest for such coaching and analysis.
I propose the following guidance:
Anyone, regardless of skill level, who wishes to submit a game for review may
feel absolutely free to do so and should feel confident that analysis will be
done in as accurate and constructive a manner as possible and will never be
done in a derogatory or demeaning tone.
Anyone desiring to engage a personal coach is certainly encouraged to say so on
the List. However, please keep discussions of financial considerations Off List.
Participation on this List is voluntary. So, too, is performing the service of
providing analysis, annotation, and even competition. I, for one, operate on
the assumption that if someone has made the decision to spend time doing
analysis, annotation, etc, then that person has made the responsible decision
that he or she has the time, energy, inclination to do so. Appreciation should
always be expressed. Posts aimed, however, at drumming up business for someone
are not appropriate. Nor are insinuations, however veiled, of “freeloading.”
Finally, I do not have time or inclination to screen and approve or disapprove
every post that comes along on this List. I sincerely hope that no one actually
desires such micromanagement. If anyone feels differerntly and wishes to take
on the task, just say so. For myself and for the benefit of all our Listers, I
expect each and every one of us to be cognizant of the amount of post traffic
that we generate, I expect everyone to use respect and kindness as their guides
as they choose commentary and wording, and I paraphrase the guidelines of the
Toastmasters International for annotation and analysis: Remember to try to
point out what someone does well at least as often as we point out what needs
improvement.
Even Grandmasters are still learning and studying and making mistakes. To my
knowledge, there just ain’t any Grandmasters in this group. Although, hmmm,
Tyson, did you achieve Grandmaster status?
Thank you all for your attention and participation.
Yours in chess,
Jim Thoune, List moderator, USBCA Assistant Tournament Director.
Email: hazelnutt2001@xxxxxxxxx
Phone: 971/242-9991
Whatsapp: 001 Country code plus above phone number.
