Re: [at-l] posts

[TOKTAADN@aol.com]

In a message dated 11/14/98, 11:36:39 AM, CHoover241@aol.com writes:
<<I am very upset that now I get mail from the other list with no human
sender.
You guys are not sending very much stuff either.  I miss the human contact of
the lists.>>

I have a few things to say about the lists.  Please don't construe my comments
as being for or against either of them.  I belong to both lists and don't
expect that to change.  ATML recently underwent a fundamental change of great
magnitude.  It seems to be because the at-l is basically leaderless, we have
been sucked into ATML's vortex and therefore don't have a separate identity
for the at-l.  I believe the time is ripe for us to give some serious thought
to what purpose the lists serve and how this list can differentiate itself
from the ATML.

My take on it -- just to get the ball rolling, feel free to take the
discussion elsewhere -- is that the lists and Trailplace together form what I
like to call the University of the Appalachian Trail.  Trailplace represents
the library, the ATML represents the classroom and the at-l represents the
rest of the campus where students and teachers mingle informally.  In the
classroom (ATML) the tone is fairly serious and the focus is on learning and
rules are in place to maintain that focus.  Outside the classroom (at-l),
things are unstructured -- no rules -- and a wide range of topics
inappropriate for the classroom can be discussed, still with a hiking
perspective -- since we are all hikers here -- but including socializing,
humor, trip reports, gear talk and whatever else, just in a more relaxed
manner than the ATML.

If we do wish to develop a separate identity for the at-l, some dual listers
will need to learn to post their material to one list or the other.  Dual
posting, in my opinion, goes against the grain of differentiation.

Anyone want to discuss this as a way to differentiate the at-l from the ATML?
Cheryl points out the obvious strength of the at-l that we should build on,
and that is the people connection we all have.  If we can find ways to play
that aspect up, I think it's safe to say that both lists can exist and prosper
side by side.  I don't believe there is any need for a struggle between the
two.

Happy trails,

Solar Bear
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