Dear Silver List people, I think I'm ready to start releasing this series of missives redefining and reaffirming our mission, rules, and methods.
All I've got to say about the present quality of discussions is "I think you've got it!" Things like new FAQ's and other strategies to help and encourage new people are important right now. We've just heard two of the most sobering narratives we will ever be priveleged to have the *chance* to hear. They were only offered because these people believed they *might* be heard and heeded -- this time! Judy wrote: > I joined this CS list because I expected to find people who would > willingly share their experiences and knowledge. ... early on I > learned that the old-timers had already discussed "whatever" and I'd > better look to the archives. Soon I realized that sharing with > newcomers was not encouraged. Often it was actively discouraged. So > now I must ask, does anyone know of another CS list I can join? One > that recognizes all levels of expertise? That realizes newcomers need > to be welcomed and supported? That is excited about this marvelous > substance and doesn't have turf issues? And Langsley writes: > Never have I felt less welcome or welcomed on a list than I do on this > one. When I have asked a question it has either been met with no > response at all, a response indicating that I was a bother, or told > that my question was one which would stir up trouble of one sort or > another. ... The most meaningful responses I've gotten to my posts > have been off list. ... I have definitely not found this to be a > welcoming atmosphere of camaraderie with the expressed purpose of > helping people new to the subject to learn about CS, its uses, and > production. Others have been left unwritten by those who assumed they would never be listened to. Thank you Judy. Thank you Langsley. The list has been long overdue for an overhaul. We can all share the blame for conditions here, though I accept my own responsibility first and foremost. OUR GOALS: Our goals are all but unchanged, only our actions must change to actually serve them: *** We are here to welcome newcomers who want to know about Colloidal Silver. We will share the most fair, unbiased, and good quality information we can, freely, without regard to ego or self interest. *** We will support and encourage each other, share the results of our experience, experiments, studies, and inspirations with CS, and act to maintain a welcoming and friendly atmosphere that nurtures a sense of community. The above are most important. The rest are pointless without them. *** We will identify and counter the hype, myths and propaganda that surround the subject of Colloidal Silver. *** We will study the art and science of Colloidal Silver in order that newcomers and experienced people alike will have the widest possible range of choices with reasonable certainty of success at minimum cost. These are our goals. Re-read them all, but especially the second and last ones in light of recent experience. Make sure I'm not missing something obvious, or subtle, or that you feel is important to add or wise to remove. I appreciate your comments. I will discuss list rules in the next part. Be well, Mike Devour silver-list owner [Mike Devour, Citizen, Patriot, Libertarian] [[email protected] ] [Speaking only for myself... ] -- The silver-list is a moderated forum for discussion of colloidal silver. To join or quit silver-list or silver-digest send an e-mail message to: [email protected] -or- [email protected] with the word subscribe or unsubscribe in the SUBJECT line. To post, address your message to: [email protected] Silver-list archive: http://escribe.com/health/thesilverlist/index.html List maintainer: Mike Devour <[email protected]>
