meetings

From: Sandra & David <screenmobile59@[Protected]>
I get the impression that some people think the whole group of ASHMUG
comes to the meetings every time. If some very important discussion
board subjects are discussed at the meeting, maybe someone could post
it on this discussion group.

I just had an example of not knowing what to do. There were two
laptops free, at what at first seemed like first come first get. Do I
post I want it to the group, or assume Steven wants personal mail on
it. The options changed, and I had a class at RCC that night, but you
get the point.

A while back, somebody wrote about too many fluff posts filling up
her mailbox (my impression, I could have been wrong). That got me to
thinking if I should thank people who have posted answers to my
questions, because that is not adding to info etc. Im not trying to be
silly here, because I did stop and wonder about the protocol for
thanking people.
So, we all do what seems right at the time, and may have missed
something. I always enjoy Maggies posts and appreciate the volunteer
work she has done for the group, and hope she reconsiders. Sandra

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From: "Liza K. Christian" <windsong@[Protected]>
I appreciate your remarks, Sandra.
Here's my 25 cents American... or 14.9% less for those using the Euro.

What we need here (imo), is a whole bucket-load of grace, good
manners, and some country-style learnin' of letting some things go.

On Nov 11, 2009, at 9:35 AM, Sandra & David wrote:

> I get the impression that some people think the whole group of
> ASHMUG comes to the meetings every time. If some very important
> discussion board subjects are discussed at the meeting, maybe
> someone could post it on this discussion group.

Posting a recap is a bit of a problem, because that would mean
someone would have to take notes and then post it to the website or
give them to Yvonne to broadcast to the list (more work for her).
Keep in mind that despite Yvonne's call for helpers, the volunteers
who have stepped forward are few. That's not a criticism, just a fact.

An example: the room at ACH does not magically appear all set up with
the tables and chairs, power cords, adapters, projectors, etc., and
neither does the room get put back together by the wave of a wand.
No; a couple people (Yvonne and Paul - who brings the video set up -
in particular, who also do *many* other things for our MUG) go early
and set it up. A few of us have lingered to help clean up, but not
every time. Most people just come, ask questions, take in great info,
and leave.

Some folks do things behind the scenes too, and others have put
together presentations, and some of those same people are at the
ready to answer questions for this Discussion List. Maybe there are
others who would like to help or help more...make the burden lighter.

FYI: Although it normally is, I discovered that last night's meeting
was not webcast. Thanks to their commitment to making ASHmug even
better, Paul Collins and Jim Teece, figured out a way to film/archive
the videos of each meeting. If you missed a [recent] meeting, that's
one way you can catch up.

How much better if we rally together and find ways to actively
participate in keeping ASHmug the great MUG that it has become. A
focus on the positive and not on the negative would be a good start.

> I just had an example of not knowing what to do. There were two
> laptops free, at what at first seemed like first come first get.
> Do I post I want it to the group, or assume Steven wants personal
> mail on it. The options changed, and I had a class at RCC that
> night, but you get the point.

Certain folks within ASHmug have resisted setting up protocols and
best practices - even on a minimal basis. But, what we have here is
an example of someone trying to do a kind and generous thing (give
away two computers), and then having confusion result because we
don't have a strategy in place.

I'd suggest that until such time as we have a game plan/method, that
if someone wants to post something for sale or giveaway, that the
interested party reply direct to the person initiating and not to the
List. Then, the onus is on them and not the MUG (although, as with
the raffle, some things could be facilitated "at" a meeting).

> A while back, somebody wrote about too many fluff posts filling up
> her mailbox (my impression, I could have been wrong). That got me
> to thinking if I should thank people who have posted answers to my
> questions, because that is not adding to info etc. Im not trying to
> be silly here, because I did stop and wonder about the protocol
> for thanking people.

I hope we won't get so rigorous about how to reply, to whom you
reply, and what words you use in your reply that people can't bear to
open up an eMail that "thanks" someone for the assistance they
offered. I guess you could say a blanket "thank you" in advance.
Maybe we could have assigned scripts (she says, tongue firmly planted
in cheek).

Inasmuch as our society is greatly lacking in social graces in the
21st Century - especially with the onset of virtual communication and
relative anonymity - can't we give some latitude here? Life is too
short to be nagging and dissing one another in this forum that is so
incredibly helpful to so many.

> So, we all do what seems right at the time,

....that's right, Sandra. Not everyone knows everything about
everything... only a select few... (chuckle) and even those of us who
amused ourselves thinking we knew a lot about a lot, are likely in
grave error as well. LOL!

> and may have missed something. I always enjoy Maggies posts and
> appreciate the volunteer work she has done for the group, and hope
> she reconsiders. Sandra

Me too. Maggie brings levity and humor. We need you Maggie. Don't
disappear.

And, Maggie, if there is a "next time," I will go to the principal's
office with you, because I'm pretty sure I've broken the unstated
rule of "no humor in your parenthetical remarks" that might make you
seem human - as though you actually enjoyed your connection with
other muggers.


Thank you in advance, Sandra, for voicing this. Oh, and sorry,
everyone, that was probably more like a buck's worth.
---------------

From: rodamu <rdmumby@[Protected]>
You should thank individuals who have helped you, but direct your thanks to
them personally, not through the discussion list.

Robert


> From: Daria inbar <doc@[Protected]>
> Reply-To: ASHMUG Discussion <ashmug-talk@[Protected]>
> Date: Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:58:10 -0800
> To: ASHMUG Discussion <ashmug-talk@[Protected]>
> Subject: Re: [ASHMUG] meeetings
>
> Interesting. I too have not thanked people because I didn't want to
> add fluff.
>
> And I think that's ridiculous because the people who gave a helpful
> answer might be feeling they were not appreciated.
>
> It's very hard to have a pleasant interchange when conversation is
> stifled. Conversation flows, that's the nature of it. OTOH, this is
> supposed to be about Macs, not politics or other things.
>
> Perhaps the e-mail format is problematic.
>
> Overall, people need to chill. I get tons of e-mails form this group
> that don't interest me, mostly because they are way over my head, not
> because they are inherently uninteresting. I'm a doctor, not a techie.
> I delete them, end of story.
>
> Daria.
>
> --------
> This list is for the Ashland Macintosh Users Group - to support our Mac
> community.
>
> If you received this in error or wish to unsubscribe, just send a blank
> email to ashmug-talk-off@[Protected] .
>
> For searchable, web-based archives go to http://archives.ashmug.com .
>
> Questions/problems: Contact Doug Gentry, Dynapolis: doug@[Protected]
>



--------
This list is for the Ashland Macintosh Users Group - to support our Mac
community.

If you received this in error or wish to unsubscribe, just send a blank
email to ashmug-talk-off@[Protected] .

For searchable, web-based archives go to http://archives.ashmug.com .

Questions/problems: Contact Doug Gentry, Dynapolis: doug@[Protected]