T.J. Elliott wrote:
>Bob Janes wrote:
>"More than half of the contributors [to the list over the last over the
>last six months] sent only one message, 90% sent 10 or fewer. "
>
>Why? I think we would learn a great deal if as many of those people as
>possible offered a short answer. I figure that I somewhere around 10 so I
>will shut up and 'listen'. ;-)
I think T.J. had a good idea.
I am an infrequent contributor to the list but a very regular digester and
have benefitted greatly!
I see the growth of a seed as a metaphor for myself. When I discovered
this list, I was like a seed being planted into fertile soil. I sprouted
and have been growing; however, have yet to produce any fruit.
My contributions to the list are infrequent because they have generally
taken considerable time to compose. My thoughts develop as I write and I
find I have to really labor to put my thoughts into phrases that make
sense when read (by "make sense", I mean actually convey the meaning of my
thoughts, not just to be readable or sound intelligent). Although my
contributions have always been incomplete and vague (and I recognize that
I am not as logical or learned as others on the list), I have always
received instruction and encouragement - I might even say kindness - from
the members of this list. My ideas have been challenged, enhanced,
questioned, rejected and supported. I see this as an incredible
opportunity to learn! What a great nurturing environment. When I
indicate that I am not as logical or learned as others on this list, I do
so not out of embarrassment or discouragement, I do so out of excitement
because I know I can grow here: to understand more -- to become more
learned. A plant does not look at itself as a "snapshot" (i.e., not
producing fruit) but rather as a process that is growing to maturity. In
the same way I see myself (i.e., not by what "I don't know" but rather by
what "I am learning").
Just like a growing plant matures and begins to produce fruit, I feel I
too will begin to produce fruit - in time. And just as I am not
frustrated or angry with my tomato plant because it has yet to produce any
tomatoes, so also I am not frustrated or angry with myself that I don't
yet "know" something. If I am patient and continue to nurture the plant,
it will soon produce a wonderful harvest, in same way I must be patient
and draw from the "soil" of this list (among other things).
Isn't there a component of learning that "appears" dormant and yet is
essential? I can not speak for the rest of the 90%; but as for me, I am
delighted to be "rooted" in this "soil" and intend to continue to absorb
nutrients and life with the intent of producing fruit "in its time".
Thank you for this opportunity to express my appreciation for all those on
this list.
Stan
--Stanton L. Berberich e-mail: sberberi@uhl.uiowa.edu University of Iowa
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