I've also been reading this discussion of the name change and incident
starting and wanted to drop my 2 cents here.
I have done a fair bit of volunteer work for the BRHS over this past year,
from cataloging photos on both the BRHS website and this mailing list, to
the research, installation & configuration of the software for the online
photo gallery. No, I'm not a member, but only because I've been waiting for
someone at the BRHS to put up a Paypal or other form of online payment
service so I don't have to remember to print, sign and mail a check & form
from the mailbox. :)
Do I care whether or not I've used a bunch of my time for something I'm not
even a member of? No. My time was used for the purpose of furthering the
history and information about the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroad, and
in that light, was completely worth it. And I'll spend plenty more time
this next year in the research & posting of more CB&Q documents & photos.
To my mind, the main goal is that other people can see, learn and understand
from information that I can provide. It doesn't matter who, what or how
it's done, what matters is that I DO IT!
The BRHS is there to further the history of the CB&Q. The BRHS/CBQ list is
there for the same purpose. And it has service that purpose TREMENDOUSLY!
I have found very few mailing lists with this level of knowledgable people,
who are as a whole very forgiving of newcomers with the same questions, do
not complain or gripe, and usually do not quibble or complain about other's
differences of opinion. That is RARE on a mailing list, people! I can tell
you from personal experience, as I run about 5 lists, and am members of
about 5 more!
The discussion in questions was very civil, and every comment I read was
done with some thought. Even though the topic is a rather hot one, and does
make people angry, all the comments I saw, even with differences of opinion,
had been brought up with some clarity and thought as to what was being said.
MUCH better than the same discussion went on rec.models.railroad, for
example... ;)
Dave and John have done a SUPERB job running this list. I know, as I
mentioned, as I run several myself. With this many members, it can be a
problem at times. They've done a great job, and even behind the scenes have
been working on things to improve the list. I know, as I have been involved
with several of those efforts. John's timely rejoinder to curtail the
conversation (which can never be resolved on this list or any other) was
done with just the right amount of "ok folks, great discussion, but let's
move on" before other members started saying the same. I didn't see any
problems with it, but again was a great example of how well this list is
run.
<flame mode on>
For the person or persons who instigated this problem, shame on you. For I
do not see the furtherment of the BRHS or CB&Q railroad in your actions, but
only the petty squabbling of someone who is NOT promoting the BRHS in a
favorable light. If you want to do something, volunteer your time and mouth
on something that furthers the history and lore of the CB&Q, not stymies it.
As a non-member of the BRHS, I have wondered at times what the point of
actually becoming a member would be when individuals such as this perpetrate
such a rude atmosphere that does not further the cause of the Society or the
railroad that it upholds. Luckily, your foul attitude has not completely
overshadowed the actions of other members that I hold with the utmost
respect; Dave Lotz, John, Peter, Gerald, Archie, and a great many others.
Insure in the future that your actions are in line with the image you would
have the BRHS be seen in, or the club will surely follow in the footsteps of
the railroad that once ruled the Midwest...
</flame mode off>
Cheers!
»» Jan Kohl ««
computer security consultant
The Pits - http://www.theuspits.com
Castle Graphics - http://www.castlegraphics.com
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