TO: New Members
From:Rog
CLARK WROTE:
I'm a fairly new subscriber and was wondering if I might get a bit of advice
- Because I don't check my email everyday there are many times when the
postings are quite abundant and intimidating. How do you sort them (slips,
perhaps?) in chronological order? As I have never been involved in a
discussion group I find it difficult to compile the information in a
comprehensible format due to the redundant messages, figuring the origin of
the topic, etc. Maybe I'm just slow but would appreciate any aid...
ROG RESPONDS:
Being new here is real tough. Luckily, the pace is actually slower
now-a-days, and most of today's writers are relatively brief. ( I wait for
Fintan or Donny to return)
When I was new, I had to cut and paste quotes into a document (being sure to
not to re-paste token requotes), and then print the thing off. I would then
highlight key points and write my responses, thoughts,cheers and jeers in the
sideline. I cannot study on screen, I must read it on paper. To save money,
I got a laser printer and print in double-page half size.
Still, a new member faces several huge barriers:
First, who are these other writers? What are their styles, basic world-views
and positions on the issues? This takes time, and notes on the people. I
started with a notebook, one page per key member. (and no, I won't sell my
notes)
Second, what are the terms and abbreviations? IMHO these IPov's are
essential in maximizing the redux of sq to make room for DQ, so SOM can be
trounced by MOQ to support ZAMM, Lila and SODV. Seriously though, if you
really know Lila, and you read the 3 works of Pirsig, I think the acronyms
are self explanatory in context. This is surely debatable though. One of us
really should put an abbreviations FAQ together.....
Third, who are these other philosophers and what are these concepts that are
bantered about? Until you are comfortable with some of the major names and
theories that are tossed about, you'll have a tuff time wading through the
assumed base to get to the point that is being contended. Lack of
familiarity with Zen, major philosophical schools, popular-science physics,
evolution and sociology can cause this forum to be impenetrably thick. I am
not saying you need to be an expert on any of these issues, just familiar
enough with them that you can grasp the context of the discussion. Everybody
runs into HUGE blind spots here initially, but the dialogues lead us to
expand beyond Pirsig. We grow, with some members growing AWAY from Pirsig.
The other forum is much more focused and keeps one topic going for a month.
It is also kinder and gentler. It attracts lots of new members, and a share
of oldsters that like the relaxed pace, clarity and civility.
Fourth, in this forum you almost have to keep up daily at first. Later, you
can screen through stuff much more efficiently, but at first, it is tough
going.
Fifth, you need to establish an identity. The other members need to learn
something about you and your style so they know whether to invest in a
dialogue. Many new members post a few times and split. Some stay but don't
respond. This can be frustrating to those doing this for the interaction.
It seems to me that there is almost a commitment bar that is required to
participate. Nobody made it on purpose, and it may not be good that it is
there, but I can sure argue that IT IS THERE.
But I am often wrong...really!!
Rog
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This archive was generated by hypermail 2b30 : Sat Aug 17 2002 - 16:00:42 BST