Re: [Leica] the FACE of a user group

["A.H.SCHMIDT" <horsts@actek.com.au>]

Paul Schiemer wrote:

> Whether we call it a newsgroup, a listserv, or a user group it has it's own
> personality. It is dedicated to the free exchange of information pertaining
> to the stated topic.
> Threads are woven into the daily interchange, following particular subjects,
> bending off on tangents, sometimes even going full circle. There is an ebb
> and flow to the messaging, and there are times it can overwhelm. Likewise
> there is an arriving and departing of participants.
>
> A list gets born, lives it's own life, and may even die or wither away.
> They are populated by persons who have an interest in the topic, who may
> join to learn or already know everything there is.
> There are herders in amongst the 'membership' who try diligently to keep
> everyone on track, and there are fools, pharos, and gurus too. It is a
> growing, thriving thing- that changes daily.
> The wizened among the members can relate how it was in the beginning and how
> different it is now. The newbies show their excitement easily, they've found
> a place to acquire knowledge.
>
> Here at LUG we share a keen interest in photography (we already admit to
> owning or wanting to own the best 35mm cameras & lenses). We feel
> passionately about photography, in all aspects. Some of it may be of
> interest to others so we try to verbalize it here. We ask questions, we get
> answers and opinions. It's that exchange that makes the LUG what it is.
> It's a fraternity, international in flavor, and hilariously funny sometimes
> (you gotta admit).
>
> But, nothing about it is the end of the world perfect. It has foibles and
> inconsistencies that are typically evident. You don't have to slam it, its'
> existence, nor it's future, or pass judgement on those that contribute or
> lurk. It's a big room, we all talk at once sometimes or just keep quiet.
> We're usually on topic or near enough. It's a pretty easy thing to omit the
> subjects you have no interest in, or eliminate particular contributors.
>
> The personal stuff, name calling & 'attacks', is uncalled for. You wouldn't
> do that in public (nor in front of the person). Just because you're alone in
> front of your computer doesn't mean you shouldn't think three times before
> hitting the send button.
> It is our place to keep people in line if they bend or break the rules. It
> is a rule of common decency to prohibit inflammatory statements, profanity,
> or politically incorrect terminology. We police ourselves.
>
> If you find a topic requiring a more direct exchange with a particular
> contributor, take it 'off line' to a private exchange. You'd be surprised
> how civilized those exchanges are, and how valuable relationships can be
> cultivated therein.

Applause, Applause !!!!!!

Regards, Horst Schmidt