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Re: [at-l] posts
I feel like I can "hike my own hike" on the AT-L.
The Highlander
----------
> From: Owen <jrowen@ibm.net>
> To: TOKTAADN@aol.com
> Cc: CHoover241@aol.com; at-l@backcountry.net
> Subject: Re: [at-l] posts
> Date: Saturday, November 14, 1998 6:44 PM
>
> TOKTAADN@aol.com wrote:
> >
> > 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.
>
> Solar Bear -
> Since you're a "dual-lister" you have a better idea about how the 2
> lists compare than I do. Since I'm obviously not on ATML (and happily
> so), I have no idea how it's changed over the last year or so - if at
> all. The format has probably changed - but what about the content?
>
> In any case, like Chase and woodelf, I see no "struggle" between the 2
> lists. at-l is the anarchists list - you can say what you want, the way
> you want, without worrying about what the list-admin (or anyone else)
> thinks ----- within limits. The limits are simply those dictated by
> common sense and courtesy. I try to consider how I'd feel if someone
> said "that" about me. Whatever "that" is. And so far it's worked.
> We've handled our own flame wars - for the most part without "official"
> help or interference. And I want to say a very heartfelt "Thank You" to
> Ryan for that. He's only once stepped in as a "policeman" -- and I
> think we were ALL grateful for that.
>
> ATML is a different breed of cat - and while there are a lot of people
> who seem to thrive on it, I've always considered the rules there
> unnecessarily restrictive. But it's Wingfoots list and he can set the
> rules any way he wants. But then, if there were no at-l, one of us
> would have to start one - for the anarchists among us. :-)
>
> > 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.
>
> I have a somewhat different view of this ---- a year ago, at-l was
> nearly defunct. There was nearly zero activity on the list. I won't go
> into the reasons for its resurrection (because I'm not really sure about
> them), but I can state categorically that for the previous 6 months (in
> 1997) there was nearly ZERO information content of any value to the
> class of 98 - on either list. That's why I asked if the content of ATML
> had changed. The content of at-l is not always greatly
> "thruhiker-oriented", but there are thruhikers here who actually
> contribute to the discussion - and sometimes to the nonsense. And
> there's actually some useful "thruhiker" information - which is more
> than I saw on either list for most of the year that I was a
> "dual-lister".
>
> > 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.
>
> I'll agree with this - and besides, Wingfoot doesn't seem to like dual
> posting.
> More importantly - it's confusing when a thread on one list crosses to
> the other with no background or point of reference.
>
> > 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.
>
> If it's not obvious by now - if there's a struggle between the 2 lists,
> it's only on the ATML side. Or is the "struggle" a personal one?
> Again, it would be pretty much one-sided. While Wingfoot seems to have
> demonized me, I have no beef with him. ;-)
>
> I don't know how long either list will last, but I'd really like to see
> at-l still hangin' in there when we get back in a year or two. It would
> be nice to say hello to old friends after we've done our thing out
> west.
>
> Walk softly,
> Jim
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