Thank you very much for the invitation for the annual Goanet get-together in Goa. I thank and compliment the organizers for the yeoman work in coordinating this event. I wish the organizers and the participants all the best. I hope the organizers will write a short synopsis of the dialog and group-thinking that went on at the meeting. Let me take this opportunity to thank the Goanet moderators, without whose dedication, this and past years, Goanet would not be thriving as an e-site where many Goans look forward to everyday. Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend the event. However for the betterment of Goanet and its participants, here are my two cents. I think it would be fair to say that of the last year there are no discourses on Goanet. At best Goanet has become a notice-board to post information of interest to the poster (not necessarily readers). In keeping with one of the character of the season, Goanet has become dominated by Grinches. Much of their postings are variations of the classical words of the Grinch to describe everything Goan - "Ba ... Humbug." I respect their postings and empathize with their plight. But by repeated similar postings everyday or every week, the message looses their impact and likely does not solve any problems. "Ba Humbug" posts may be therapy for the posters and an outlet for their frustrations. But after sometime these posts take their toll on other Goanetters, and the views of Goans in general and potential tourists have of Goa. We are seeing a significant decline in tourists - both domestic and foreign. Perhaps the "Ba ... Humbug" is now affecting Goan people's livelihood and making it difficult for those whose job is to promote Goa that much more difficult. On a lighter note, perhaps the "ba ... humbug" posts and the wholesale postings of weblinks may have a positive effect. They may have pushed the atheists on Goanet overboard. My comment is not aimed at hurting anybody and I apologize in advance if I have done so. I could have just sat back minding my own business, enjoying the lovely snow out of my window and admiring the squirrels and birds coping with the environment. But this post is honest and aimed at improving the plight of Goans in general and Goanet in particular. There are days I feel, Goanet may facilitate "Ba Humbug" posts by providing free and convenient platform for some to vent their frustrations on other Goans while doing little in actual reality to improve the situation. Happy New Year and Best Wishes to All.
Regards, GL
