Yes! must be many confused members around at the moment from recent exchanges. For my part, I have found every posting in the over-lapping strings very valuable because they have raised so many key issues, including anger and fear. Even the multiple question marks response sums up what I hoped you guys would be about on recently joining. Not possible to respond to every one, as much tempted, because it may only add to the confusion and spam and, I am still struggling to feel I have right to be here and say anything, despite many years being involved through other channels. Apologies for my current hogging of the list but our (wife and self's) national network of MH service users and the daily news suggest we need very urgent action on the ways we all think, feel and behave.

Gender certainly a major factor in what can needlessly and negatively affect and effect us all, as with ethnology, research barriers, etc. Gender issues have been a major factor in my own treatment needs. I am a small, unattractive, 1000 year (at least) ethnically white British hetrosexual, retired, 'working class' male (i.e. a person (?)) severely emotionally battered by both/all sexes and the 'system' itself - feeling I do not belong in 'my own' Country or anywhere else. Strangely perhaps, it has only left me very concerned about the plight of all people - even Estate Agents. So sad that we continue to find so many ways to abuse one another - including via spam infestations - especially considering the amazing good we could still achieve as a species if we pulled together. I am also the old, worn out Michael/Mike (Swin..) at the opposite end of knowledge and influence to the Michael/Mike and others who have been kindly responding.

Mike Swin. PS. Interesting for me to see your on-stage/screen experience. I was one of the' rude technicals' who designed the sets for you braver and prettier souls to go on. What a contrast to our lives now but at least we have had the experience to know people can achieve the 'impossible' when we work together in a caring and co-operative environment with enough material resources.

----- Original Message -----

From: [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">Penny Priest

To: [log in to unmask] href="mailto:[log in to unmask]">[log in to unmask]

Sent: Friday, April 28, 2006 8:08 AM

Subject: On a few technical notes

I just wanted to point out that, in the midst of all the recent exchanges, I have sometimes received replies to postings, before I see the original posting, which can be quite confusing, obviously, as I sometimes find myself reading something, perhaps an angry response, but don't know what it's in response to. I just wanted to point this out to everyone, because I think it happened recently to Dawn.

I've also been a bit confused by a couple of Michael's (Swindlehurst) postings which have begun 'Michael' or 'Thank you Michael', but on reflection I think you're just saying it's you here, Michael? Or are you?

Aside from technicalities, I have been intrigued by my own and others' responses to Sue. These heated exchanges all began following Henry's posting about Mindfulness training, which I thought was a little strange turning up on this list (although I could imagine how mindfulness would fit it, but I do object to the current fashion of marketing it as a therapy - if people want to practice mindfulness, I would encourage them to join a Sangha). I then noticed the discussion swinging round to Sue's experience of doing research, which was elaborated on at Petra's invitation. Every time I logged onto my email over the last few days, I kept thinking the spammers had got hold of me again, before I saw my inbox and that it was this list instead, with many of the postings from Sue. Part of me thinks this is Sue's issue and nothing really to do with me, and whilst Paul seemed insulted on Rachael's behalf, it's not really Rachael that Sue is attacking, but the people Sue had to deal with when she was doing her research. Maybe that's no excuse for rudeness, but isn't that what happens sometimes when people get angry? Another part of me thinks in some ways it's almost refreshing to have some gut reactions on this list, instead of it all being dressed up terribly nicely and politely.

I did wonder whether there was a male/female thing going on too, but it does seem that Paul and Michael at least are taking quite different positions.

Anyway, for what it's worth, this posting comes with love from:

a mother, sister, daughter, beginner-surfer, prize-winning fell-runner, former teacher, pissed-again pop-star (once supported Nina Simone), clinical psychologist, mainly heterosexual, angry woman (this is just how I see myself at the moment).