I think Laurent made an excellent point about the disappearance of new joiners to the list. I was made to feel extremely welcome by lots of people on this list. Even though we are not close friends, I still feel as if I am respected by most people on this list. I wonder, though, if it's the same for others who join and maybe fail to make a good first impression. Are they given a second chance?
I have felt at times that I do not belong to that "inner circle" of elders on the list who have met in person, gone to Joni Fests and often meet up for Joni-related celebrations. I sometimes feel as if the people who have known Joni for longer sort of look down on new joiners - "Oh, what does HE know, he's just a kid. How could HE possibly understand?" Opinions are often discounted (not just my own) or outright ridiculed because of who the list member is or is not. This is not productive or particularly kind. Inside jokes and cliquish commentary that anyone else would find meaningless should probably not be posted on a public forum. This is a big turn-off and tends to breed lurking and skimming from new members who have not been made to feel particularly welcome or valued. I do think, though, that learning more about the people who join the list is as Joni-related as anything regarding her career. We have supported her, so are we not "JC" in and of ourselves? I guess basic respect for the nature of this forum is a must - respect for others, respect for the quality of the post and respect for new joiners who may not yet know or appreciate the subtleties of Joni's music. Embrace the new guy even if he may not know all there is to know about Ms. Mitchell! He or she will have lots to say if he or she is made to feel welcome and respected. If he's clueless, educate him! -Andrew Yahoo! Tax Center - forms, calculators, tips, and more
