Edge is to be commended for listserve maintenance and I agree with most of
her points. However, the list has been through this many times before. Edge
Wade pleading for an end to finger-pointing won't stop it. I would bet that
within a couple of weeks, someone will flame someone else, prejudge,
finger-point, etc. Nothing will be said about it and the pressure cooker,
filled with "Umbrage," will build again...
For my part, it was a cumulative effect of multiple flames and
finger-pointing. I must admit that every time I post anything to Mobirds, I
am immediately defensive.
As Edge pointed out, any community will have differences of opinion...no
problems there. Where I differ with her is her apparent acceptance of the
lack of common courtesy that is quite normal on this list. Any group of
people will thrive in a safe, secure environment. Without structure,
guidelines, or attentive administration, some level of anarchy will result.
I predict that within a month or two, Mobirds will be dealing with this same
issue again.
Doug Willis
Kansas City, MO
P.S. The idea of two listserves must have struck a cord, as I recieved quite
a few emails (from people who never post to the list) in favor of a seperate
list &/or a MO Ornithological Society.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Edge Wade" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, August 31, 2005 11:21 PM
Subject: One Missouri, One Mobirds


> As in any community (from family, friends, through larger social
> aggregates), we will have differences of opinion and we will occasionally
> take umbrage at another's post.
>
> Webster's definition of umbrage is particularly appropriate for e-mail
> eruptions such as the teapot tempest I've just read through upon my return
> from Iowa--from a funeral with a very few miles of deviation to see some
> birds--
>
> Umbrage
> 4: a feeling of pique or resentment often at some fancied slight or
> insult.
>
>
> The Missouri birding community is strong, vibrant, and as diverse as our
> geography and heritage. Missouri birders are [oh, dear, my tongue may get
> stuck in my cheek with this one] somewhat opinionated on a variety of
> topics. Because of our diversity it is inevitable that we will have
> disagreements--often over something someone wrote with no intention of
> causing offense. [Been there; done that--both ends--tain't fun.]
>
> Let's have a moratorium on finger-pointing at one another. We all share
> one interest: birds. Let us respect the various manners in which we
> enjoy them as we respect one another as fellow passengers on a wondrous
> journey.
>
> It is likely that ramifications of this human abetted "natural disaster"
> will haunt this nation for the remainder of our lifetimes. As we mourn
> the losses, it is not unseemly to celebrate blessings, too. Our lives
> will be unsettled in many ways; each of us will try to cope the best way
> we can with the horrors and with niggling inconveniences.
>
> Let us be patient with one another. Let us be thankful that we share a
> pastime that brings us joy and, even if only briefly, carries us above
> burdens and sorrow.
>
> GOOD BIRDING!
>
> Edge Wade
> Columbia, MO
> [log in to unmask]
>
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