Vana wrote (in part):
"As for posts of any type on any list that do not interest me....I have a
delete button. As for posts on this list that I do not understand (and
frankly there are quite a few), I need to make a more earnest effort to
speak up and ask for clarification. I'm not stupid, but would hate to
appear so on this list. I'm sure that is why I have hesitated to ask for
clarification in the past. It would be a wonderful courtesy if posters
would think twice before using new jargon that may not be understood by
everyone on our list."
I too am glad that the subject was raised by Maggi and would offer that
the level of participation is higher for it. But is there something about
the fear of not getting answered or of appearing dumb that accounts for
folks not starting new subjects that are of interest to them? That has not
been the case or me (too dumb to be afraid??) but I do know that I have
always taken some care with posts here wanting to craft them so as to try
and get a response. I have not always been successful but, for example,
when I asked a question about the red, yellow (amber in UK), and green
light system of reporting on project status, I got a lot of very useful
information and some wonderful comments questioning the utility of the
system.
It seems to me that where I can help the diversity of the list is to try
to respond to more such requests from colleagues. (I often go by them and
want to but procrastinate.) That would then (in my hypothesis) increase
the number of live threads, the # of people who feel that they have gotten
something from the list, the amount and kinds of learning. So more posts
(which means more 'delete' button hits by all of us in some instances) not
less would perhaps make this all more meaningful and satisfactory.
The list is likely not what any of us exactly want. The meaning and
practice is negotiated. Wow, what an opportunity: how many of us were
negotiating online conversations ten years ago?? Perhaps that process is
where the unsought and unexpected true value, our own learning, ultimately
lies rather than specific bites of content.
-- T.J. Elliott Cavanaugh Leahy & Company tjell@mail.idt.net Mind On The Job newsletter http://idt.net/~tjell 914 366-7499Learning-org -- Hosted by Rick Karash <rkarash@karash.com> Public Dialog on Learning Organizations -- <http://www.learning-org.com>