Dear Group, This is a letter below, is one I sent in response to group member here on this list, that has been very supportive to me the past few weeks. Rather than, rewrite another letter to this group, I decided this one, was just as good to post here to you all too. If any of you would like to write to me, and be part of my future plans, (and see my presentations of the Apple beta software and graphic software) please contact me directly, by my email address. I am very sorry about the situation here on this list, and I feel it is time now to go on to greener pastures. Take care and goodbye. Yours Kay .............................
Hi, I am leaving this list soon. I am getting over my cold, and have had a chance to clear my head today. I've been thinking this morning about this weird mac group. The thing is, I don't need this kind of silly list flamewars, and BS in my life. I have so much to do right now, and plus my classes are starting soon. My reason for being here- I have to be frank with you about one thing. Last spring- It is a Apple Rep that asked me to be more active with the local Apple Group here. He knew I have been Officer at several other groups and wanted me to show some of the beta testing I was doing, etc. I gritted my teeth when they asked. But then I thought, oh well maybe this group has changed. The issue is, that other groups in cities of this size have grown. Some have even have 2 or more groups. This one hasn't gained any members in 15 years. Apple wants to know--Why? I quit coming to this group, years ago, when Randy started the Art Software's group. This group, sort of died then, but came back a bit, after Randy stopped doing the group. Now, It has gotten worse, than when I left-- It is so inbred and boring. I really don't see how they have kept their legal status as a non-profit, Apple group. They are not following the rules that Apple groups are supposed to follow. They collect dues, but where does the money go? There is no Board, there are no Officers, there is no voting on the leaders. No Treasurer's report. No group representation sent to Apple MacWorld, to attend the big user group meeting there. No outreach to new members. These are all the things that are supposed to be done in an "Official Apple Group". I would serve on the Board on this one, to help out, and get things in line, but there is no board! I asked Harry about that issue, in June. He said they have no Board and no voting. So now, it is time to take some stock in the situation. After 4 months on this list, I don't even need to attend a meeting to find out what is going on here. I get the jest of it! Just a bunch of educational guys, pocketing the software and goodies Apple sends them for the group--it serves their needs with the minimal amount of effort. But, with Wards unreal email and then, Lees comment yesterday? That was the last straw for me. To suggest I would send him a virus, was a VERY nasty thing to say, and very surprising, for a college professor to state such an awful claim about a professional business person, who has a reputation to uphold. I don't need to have people like that ruining my reputation, just to help Apple out. And this list has done alot to ruin my reputation, because of his reluctancy to do his job. On this list now, I am seen as some sort of ocre, some sort of mean bitch. It started with that lady Marta, with all her false claims- and it hasn't let up on me since. You see, those are the kinds of things going on here, these kind of issues, that are not allowed at a real Apple group. Real groups don't allow discussions about illegal copying, and tools to do so. Real groups don't allow new users drilling everyone with personal computer problems every other day and drive people away who get tired of answering her. These kind of people, at other groups are told that is not what the group is for, to burn out their consultants, with free help. But that is not what is happening here. This group is really out in left field. But here you see, WHY. The leaders are not doing their job-in fact they are adding to the problem. So I am out. I think it would be easier to make a new group that to try to fix this one. I have been to the PC group in April. (One of my attorneys is actually the volunteer council with that group also, so they keep things professional there.) Maybe I can start a Sig there that deals with cross platform users, that uses Microsoft's VPC, and PDA devices. The kind of stuff I am really interested in. I didn't want to do this, because in a way I felt sorry for Lee, and Tom (who I never hear from on this list, is such a nice guy). But after his nasty ass comment yesterday? No more. The most comforting part about this whole thing, is the others from the list that have written, afraid to speak up. Boy have I heard stories, you wouldn't believe! Anyway, I am going to wait until things cool off here, maybe make a final post (I want to talk to my Apple rep first) and then ease out the back door... Thanks for supporting me along the path the past few months. I really appreciate how kind you have been. All the Best, Yours, Kay | The next meeting of the Louisville Computer Society will | be August 24. The LCS Web page is <http://www.kymac.org>. | List posting address: <mailto:macgroup at erdos.math.louisville.edu> | List Web page: <http://erdos.math.louisville.edu/macgroup>
