Lieve writes:
<< In the last few weeks, I have become really worried about the list. It
did not feel good any more. So much personal sniping, so much impersonal
posting of endless articles, so much point scoring... >>
Except for one point, which I will get to later, Lieve made many good
suggestions, IMO. Here's some of what I am thinking:
POLITICS
I prefer not to post political stuff here, but I don't mind that others do .
. . up to a point. The political content has grown so much and has gotten so
personal that, like Lieve, I agree that reading the list doesn't feel good
anymore.
When I am in a social situation and the political discussion gets heated, I
always suggest that we change the subject by reminding people about that old
chestnut that says that friends shouldn't talk about politics, sex or
religion. If that doesn't work, I have been known to excuse myself and seek
my fun elsewhere.
One can argue that these are dire times, and that important issues such as
Iraq need to be discussed here and now. But you know what? Any time is always
"dire times" for somebody. There are people here who are, for example,
vegetarians and post about that subject from time to time, which is fine, of
course. But what would we do if radical PETA members joined the list and were
relentlessly pushing their views here -- on the Joni Mitchell Discussion
List! -- day in and day out? And what if they were constantly engaged in
debate by the list's meat-eaters? Well, then we'd have the exact same
situation we have now, but with a different topic.
My suggestion? Self-control. Post political content moderately. If this
doesn't work for a predetermined period of time -- say three months -- then
I'd hope that Les might think of adding the PC tag so that people who don't
want to read political content can be spared having to wade though all the
poop that gets posted. I would join that list today if it became available.
Lieve also said:
<< I am thinking of a panel made up of, say, Les, Ashara and the 2 Bobs (M).
>>
Thanks, Lieve, for that vote of confidence in my policing abilities! I have
often been told I look like a cop! ;-) I have to tell you though, I HATE THIS
IDEA! And that's not just because Les (list owner), Ashara
(JMDL/JoniMitchell.com fundraiser and NE Jonifest planner), Bob Muller
(covers king) and I (Joni in Fiction) all have other duties here. I seriously
doubt that anyone on the list wants to become Director of Joniland Security!
So . . . INCLUDE ME OUT!
CLIQUES/IN-HUMOR/ALLEGED INNER CIRCLE
John S wrote:
<< I know that there are groups within the list who are close buddies - I
love that, I don't feel left out because I'm not one of them. >>
Amen. If I can't post about Jimmy's next water ballet or Ashara's tofu habit
or Kakki's martinis or Bree's chocolate gifts, then I don't want to be here.
I was once a newbie and I couldn't understand half of what I read here . . .
what the hell Bob Muller's covers were all about, or when certain people were
serious or joking . . . but I stayed around. That's part of the discovery and
adventure of trying something new. If I moved to some small town in Finland
tomorrow I wouldn't expect to be able to speak the language right away, or to
know the local celebrities, politicians and other characters that make up my
little village! But I would get myself a little phrase book, get the papers,
listen to my new neighbors and then PARTICIPATE in my new life.
Also, I didn't come here nearly three years ago looking for this pastime . .
. I was trying to sell extra tickets to a Joni concert. But I stayed because
I was interested in what was going on, not because I "got it" right away.
The subject of the "inner circle" comes up from time to time, and if there is
one, *I* haven't been asked to join. (Go ahead, Muller. Say something mean!)
What is perceived to be an inner circle is in fact Joni fans who happen to be
Internet users who have struck up friendships and relationships here by
corresponding with each other and/or by meeting at Jonifests or through
travel. That's it.
As always, THANK YOU, LES, for putting up with us. Sometimes I really do feel
bad for you because you generously let us all swim in your wonderful pool
even though so many of us have been known to pee in it!
Take care,
--Bob
