[CR]Two CR members quit the list..... (and jesus wept...)

(Example: Production Builders)

Date: Wed, 1 Feb 2006 19:44:28 -0800 (PST)
From: "scott Baxter" <rg500g@yahoo.com>
Subject: [CR]Two CR members quit the list..... (and jesus wept...)
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org


This is hilarious.

I'll just come out and say it. Compared to the BMW K bike list, the Suzuki RG 500 list, and some Yahoo groups I subscribe to the CR list is pretty up tight. It is what it is. The list has some rules and when I first got on the list I got some chiding from the list owner about form and rules because I didn't read the 10 commandments. I had a choice: obey and stay on or get off. It's his list and I toe the line or bugger off. I don't agree with some of the structure, and as a result this list is not a venue in which I socialize. I use it pretty much for helpng rebuild this Frejus and when I'm done with that I'll probably sign off too, as I'm not going to be a fellow who always keeps a bike on his stand in some state of rehabilitation. I never got bit by the eBay bug to buy hacks, clean them up, sell them, next project, etc.

I'm sure there are people who have all sorts of wisdom and experience to offer that may be relevant to this group. If they have easily wounded psyches or egos then maybe they are better off not participating. Faceless, voiceless Internet communications are tough enough as it is, and you simply need to have a thick skin to communicate in this medium without the benefit of being able to read someone's tone of voice, facial expression, etc. I've had a hell of a time with some folks for these very reasons. No one has gotten angry, but trying to politely ask someone if this or that is for sale, how much, etc. can be touchy, and before long your paranoia gets the better of you and you're afraid you stepped on someone's toes, or you misread a delayed response, and a downward spiral ensues.

My 2 cents for sensitive folks: if you feel wounded or personally offended by someone's post (1) don't get in a flame war - I'm sure the list's el hefe will lower the boom on you pronto (2) mention the issue to the list owner through the provided mechanism and request that the list owner not act as your big brother, but instead broker an offline chat, preferably on phone, between yourself and the person you felt hurt you. Offer your own phone number, since you are the party who wants to talk about this. Really hear the other side. (3) if you do not feel that you have been made whole then you may need to question whether this list is an appropriate venue within which you may comfortably participate.

Good God, in the other lists I participate in we have flame wars every now and then over technical issues, and it's fun to read the invectives if not participate outright. So you get called a tosser or worse. Sorry, suck it up and move on.

Scott Baxter St. Louis, MO

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