I have read the recent discussions and comments on the treatment of newbies with
some concern and surprise. This list is no different from any other group of
people in relation to such matters as ' group dynamics'. You have to say
something before somebody will listen !
What is different about the list is that we have a common interest and that it
is in the interest of the group that we share our knowledge so that we may all
benefit. In that respect I have never found a group of people before who have
lived up to that high ideal as well as this one.
I am a newbie myself. After I had been on the list for about four months I
postred the following. In the light of the recent correspondence I thought that
it might be worthwhile to post it again.
Terry King
---------- Forwarded Message ----------
From: TERRY KING, 101522,2625
TO: Multiple recipients, INTERNET:alt-photo-process@cse.unsw.edu.au
DATE: 14/05/96 12:36
RE: Copy of: Friendliness
Hello All
I have only had a computer that gives me access to the net since January but I
have been making gum prints for twenty five years and gradually adding other
processes to my quiver.
I am extremely grateful to those who started this list and have been keeping it
going. I can think of no other medium where exchange of information between
people as specialised as ourselves could be as effective.
In my few months on the net I have learned a lot even in relation to processes
where I regarded myself as an expert and I have done my best to respond
helpfully to questions. And I think that I have made new friends.
When I joined I sat back for nearly two weeks waiting to see who was saying what
and establishing for myself what the general level of discussion was. This is
the best way to behave in joining any new group. You establish how you are
likely to stand in the pecking order. If you wish to learn, you listen.
Listening is the art of the good conversationalist. By listening you learn
whether you have anything to say and when and how to say it.
Now into my fifth month on the list, I am such an old hand, I am finding that
some 'newbies' are asking questions that someone, perhaps myself, only last week
answered in great depth. My reaction has now become one of waiting to see if
someone else is going to answer or wishing that they had read the book first.
Some on the list may have answered the first questions that anybody has to ask,
thousands of times. These may be the experts, the professionals, the old hands,
call them what you will, and many of them are going to be amateurs, especially
the professionals. They are going to respond far more readily to someone who has
read the book and had a go and does not understand why they are not getting the
result, than they are to requests for feeding on demand.
These experts belong to the list so that they may exchange ideas. So that they
may learn from each other. So that we may all benefit.
In my experience it is often the curmudeonly old so and sos, who when approached
properly, are likely to be the people from whom one can learn the most. If you
run away when they say 'boo' you are never likely to learn anything .
Of course you may learn that they are just curmudgeonly old so and sos. But
that's life.
Terry King