Newbies, Old Topics & Patience with Threads we Dislike

[Penny & Bryce]

No: HPFGUIDX 32688

Hi all --

Mary Shearer wrote:


> Yes, Tabouli, made it to the end! Though I still think
> the whole age classification debate stems from our
> guilt issues...what do you think?  Thanks for sticking
> up for us newbies (and oldies) who have been chewing
> the age-classification scenery lately. Worked for over
> an hour on a thoughtful response, then discovered a
> posting in the inbox that basically said, "shut up!"
> before I ever hit "send!" Please be patient with the
> newbies, everyone.  Eventually, we will be up to
> speed!

Mary, please don't apologize!  As List mum, I want to reiterate to 
everyone that all on-topic discussions are welcome here, even if the 
old-timers have hashed & rehashed & rehashed it to death.  There is 
absolutely no reason for anyone (whether an old member or a newbie) to 
try & quash ongoing conversations that others are enjoying.  As Tabouli 
mentioned, I am participating in the age/literature classification 
debates, and I'm enjoying them immensely.  There are other conversations 
going on that I'm not reading because they hold little interest for me. 
  But, it doesn't mean I or anyone else should try to silence those who 
are going on their merry way with a particular topic.

Newbies in particular should feel free to discuss any topics that are 
new to them, but shouldn't be surprised if many of the old members 
choose not to traverse that same territory for the 100th time.  Some of 
us have been members for 2 yrs or close to it at this point (my own 2nd 
anniversary is coming up later this month .. will need to find the exact 
day in the Archives).  We've not had any new material (other than the 
schoolbooks) in 1.5 yrs.  There's not much "new" really, but there can 
always be new perspectives or opinions.

It's very rude IMO for anyone to try & squelch a discussion topic 
because they dislike it or they find it boring or they judge that it's 
been done to death.  If there are 2 or more people enjoying the thread 
and it's on-topic (and it's not about to devolve into a flame war or 
something truly controversial), it should be allowed to continue without 
heckling from other members.

</rant>

Back to your regularly scheduled conversations!

Penny