ADMIN] A kindler, gentler GMCnet

[patrick flowers]

GMCnetters,

Lately I've noticed a couple of trends in replies to posts. While they
don't occur often, it's often enough to cause a little concern.

First is what I would term(for lack of a better term), the "smart a**"
answer. While this type of response might seem funny to the person
making it, if you have a serious problem in need of a serious answer,
it's not humorous at all.

Second is the "how could you be so stupid" response. Often experience
comes with making mistakes. If someone is brave enough to share their
"screw-ups" with the rest of the group, then it's only fair that we be
kind with our response. Even if the poster doesn't realize that they're
doing something dumb, try to be kind in "enlightening" them.

We have over 250 subscribers(including the digest version) with a very
low percentage of active participants. There have been posts recently
that reference a previous "unkind" response to a post. There have been
occasions recently(the 25 year post comes to mind) where a subscriber
has sent something to me to forward to the list because they don't want
to come out of lurk mode. We need to encourage a greater rate of
participation. Often it's tough enough for a lurker to give up the
security of anonymity and "go public" without adding the fear of looking
foolish.

I don't intend to become a "content cop", but if I see a response that
seems harsh, then I'll respond to the author. If you get one of these
from me, please don't be offended. Remember, email has no personality -
while you might not intend to be harsh, other eyes may interpret it
differently.

Thanks for understanding,
Patrick
- --
Patrick Flowers
Mailtoatri63

The GMC Motorhome Page
http://www.gmcmotorhome.com

 

[chuck will]

Amen. I just read one of those prior to reading your comments. I sent
them my experiences on I-80 out of Salt Lake last Year. Nothing can make
you feel worse than having a blown engine, let alone two more. Chuck

> GMCnetters,
>
> Lately I've noticed a couple of trends in replies to posts. While they
> don't occur often, it's often enough to cause a little concern.
>
> First is what I would term(for lack of a better term), the "smart a**"
> answer. While this type of response might seem funny to the person
> making it, if you have a serious problem in need of a serious answer,
> it's not humorous at all.
>
> Second is the "how could you be so stupid" response. Often experience
> comes with making mistakes. If someone is brave enough to share their
> "screw-ups" with the rest of the group, then it's only fair that we be
> kind with our response. Even if the poster doesn't realize that they're
> doing something dumb, try to be kind in "enlightening" them.
>
> We have over 250 subscribers(including the digest version) with a very
> low percentage of active participants. There have been posts recently
> that reference a previous "unkind" response to a post. There have been
> occasions recently(the 25 year post comes to mind) where a subscriber
> has sent something to me to forward to the list because they don't want
> to come out of lurk mode. We need to encourage a greater rate of
> participation. Often it's tough enough for a lurker to give up the
> security of anonymity and "go public" without adding the fear of looking
> foolish.
>
> I don't intend to become a "content cop", but if I see a response that
> seems harsh, then I'll respond to the author. If you get one of these
> from me, please don't be offended. Remember, email has no personality -
> while you might not intend to be harsh, other eyes may interpret it
> differently.
>
> Thanks for understanding,
> Patrick
> --
> Patrick Flowers
> Mailtoatri63
>
> The GMC Motorhome Page
> http://www.gmcmotorhome.com

 

[chuck will]

First I need to know if any body out there has information about a Tyvek cover
for our GMC's that fits and does not need to have three feet cut off the bottom.
Second for ED, "SOB" means,"Some Other Brand", not the other connotation. I am
sure there could be a mix up here for a new person on the net. Chuck

> In a message dated 11/9/98 11:20:32 AM Central Standard Time, ELUBO

>
> >>
> Ed, I am a relatively "new" owner, and this net has been great for me. I am
> sorry you took offense at the "get a SOB" remark, which I'm sure was made
> purely in jest. I didn't make that post, only cause I didn't think of it
> first. I do take my life's daily experiences with a grain of salt and a big
> dose of my sick sense of humor. (I have found that a sense of humor helps a
> ton when I am up to my armpits in GMC innards.) If you go back in the
> archives, which I did when I first discovered this net, you will see the
> evolution of the net. Some time ago, about the time I got on, some
> participants were posting about "fluff" on the net. (Like this post -g). I,
> personally, hope we don't get into the "word and thought police" mode. As for
> your single reply, I have the same problem sometimes, sometimes no replies. I
> feel, though, that maybe no one has the answer. There is only so much brain
> power to go around. Best wishes. Larry Nelson, PB 1975, sunny Springfield, MO

 

[heinz wittenbecher]

>GMCnetters,
>
>Lately I've noticed a couple of trends in replies to posts. While they
>don't occur often, it's often enough to cause a little concern.
>



I'm at a loss for words to add to this but I just gotta add my 2cents worth.

I don't think I'm out of line when saying that we learn the most through
mistakes we walk away from (airplane hold-over). We don't listen (mostly) to
advice no matter how good it is, or appears to be... in part because we all
got burned at one time or other by good advice.

I'm with you Patrick, in that it would sure be nice to get the lurkers into
the conversations. They all have experiences to share... good and bad. ( And
we can use some good ones once in a while ).

If that means stepping on some bullies toes (or his/her typing finger), then
so be it. It's not a nice job (content cop) but I'm sure you're up to it
Don't forget... there are lots of Deputies in the wings.

I sure hope we (you, Patrick) can keep this list informative, lighthearted
and fun. It is fun to share and Patrick has given us this vehicle to
share... lets not abuse it.

To the folks on the sidelines: Please don't be shy... I know that
contributing to this list is probably just like asking that special girl to
dance the first time at the high shool prom. (I think.... it's been a
while).

To the folks that share their experiences so openly: THANK YOU.
And if someone criticizes you for sharing, consider the source (high school
bully) and ignore it. There are many, many more that appreciate... you can
be sure. Unfortunately it would just clutter up the gmcnet if all the
appreciation flowed via this list... but a personal email to the
contributor, when warranted, would be not only in order but welcomed by
him/her (I speak from first-hand experience here).

We all make booboo's. Yes... we all do, and the best way to turn a
booboo(mistake) into a good turn is to SHARE so that we might keep someone
else from making the same booboo. If we all do that, we all make new booboos
instead of the same ones over and over... and if my ignorance and/or
stupidity can help someone then it's really a lttle bit of: Oh gee, it was
meant to be

Sorry, enough rambling.
Patrick, please keep up the good work... whether we admit to it openly or
not, WE ALL APPRECIATE IT.

Heinz

 

[mike finnicum]

Heinz

Well said
I too would like to see more participating

Mike Finnicum

- -----Original Message-----
From: Heinz Wittenbecher
To: gmcmotorhome
Date: Wednesday, November 11, 1998 8:07 AM
Subject: Re: GMC: [ADMIN] A kindler, gentler GMCnet

>
>
>>GMCnetters,
>>
>>Lately I've noticed a couple of trends in replies to posts. While they
>>don't occur often, it's often enough to cause a little concern.
>>
>
>
>
>I'm at a loss for words to add to this but I just gotta add my 2cents worth.
>
>I don't think I'm out of line when saying that we learn the most through
>mistakes we walk away from (airplane hold-over). We don't listen (mostly) to
>advice no matter how good it is, or appears to be... in part because we all
>got burned at one time or other by good advice.
>
>I'm with you Patrick, in that it would sure be nice to get the lurkers into
>the conversations. They all have experiences to share... good and bad. ( And
>we can use some good ones once in a while ).
>
>If that means stepping on some bullies toes (or his/her typing finger), then
>so be it. It's not a nice job (content cop) but I'm sure you're up to it
>Don't forget... there are lots of Deputies in the wings.
>
>I sure hope we (you, Patrick) can keep this list informative, lighthearted
>and fun. It is fun to share and Patrick has given us this vehicle to
>share... lets not abuse it.
>
>To the folks on the sidelines: Please don't be shy... I know that
>contributing to this list is probably just like asking that special girl to
>dance the first time at the high shool prom. (I think.... it's been a
>while).
>
>To the folks that share their experiences so openly: THANK YOU.
>And if someone criticizes you for sharing, consider the source (high school
>bully) and ignore it. There are many, many more that appreciate... you can
>be sure. Unfortunately it would just clutter up the gmcnet if all the
>appreciation flowed via this list... but a personal email to the
>contributor, when warranted, would be not only in order but welcomed by
>him/her (I speak from first-hand experience here).
>
>We all make booboo's. Yes... we all do, and the best way to turn a
>booboo(mistake) into a good turn is to SHARE so that we might keep someone
>else from making the same booboo. If we all do that, we all make new booboos
>instead of the same ones over and over... and if my ignorance and/or
>stupidity can help someone then it's really a lttle bit of: Oh gee, it was
>meant to be
>
>Sorry, enough rambling.
>Patrick, please keep up the good work... whether we admit to it openly or
>not, WE ALL APPRECIATE IT.
>
>Heinz
>
>
>
>
>
>