I have some sympathy for the feelings expressed by Alison Barnes:
> I often feel somewhat marginalised. . .
> seems to be a question is posted, a few answers are posted
> in return, then the thread becomes monopolised by the 'big
> hitters' here in a way that feels quite exclusive.
[snip]
> how many of these threads are shifted away from the original
> question/poster
[snip]
> I await to be put in my place!
but it's impossible to resist saying something smart-assed about her geographical studies letting her identify her place. . .
I've been a bit frustrated lately by lack of time to really join in several of the recent threads. Other threads I had less interest in. A range of subjects and a flow that can't be controlled by anyone (including the initiator of any subject) are in the nature of conversation.
The nice thing about a listserv conversation is that, unlike an in-person discussion, one speaker does not drown out another. It is neither rude nor socially destructive if a variety of conversations happen simultaneously. So if "big hitters" are debating some arcane point of philosophy, others can happily discuss whatever they consider important.
There is an amazing range of people who are the regulars in this discussion and an even bigger range of us who are semi-regulars. The only requirement for either status is posting. With such a range of people in the conversation and--what? A thousand or more readers?--I can make one promise: No matter what you say, someone will think you are an idiot and someone will think you are God.
I'll make another promise: They will both be wrong.
So Alison (and everyone), please join in. The people conversing are the ones who shape the nature of the conversation.
Talk among yourselves.
Gunnar
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