Posted by Marc on July 30, 2001 at 08:25:21:
Hi All,
I'd like to put in my $.02 (minus inflation and cost of living). I've seen an handful of people say how disheartening this rift has been and I agree it has been an unfortunate turn of events. But to turn our backs on our community at the time it needs us most, in my opinion, is not the answer. It would certainly be the easy way to go, but do we really want the easy way out? It's times like this where our metal is tested. Will we learn from this? Will be become stronger and closer? Only time will tell. Maybe I'm being a bit over dramatic, but there appears to way too much negativity and disappointment winding it's way through the thread of our community.
This whole incident (from my newbie perspective) seems to be the child of miscommunication. Let's face it... humans probably miscommunicate better than any species on earth. Feelings were hurt, things were said/done, and more feelings were hurt. It's what us humans do best. Call it a gift.
We also have the ability (if we chose to use it) to wade through the hurt, reach a mutual understanding and go on with our lives. Hopefully better and wiser people than we were before.
So... we reach a fork in the road. Do we allow something so special to fall by the wayside? Or do we reach down, take it by the hand and help it to it's feet? You people are more special than I think some of you realize. Some have taken chances and worked real hard to make something out of nothing. That inherently carries with it some risk. Like anything worth working for... some sweat and blood can be expected.
While I may be one of the newer members of our community, I have been touched by it. I can't change that, nor would I remotely want to. I like it here and here is where I'm going to stay. This will take a collective effort from one and all. The community and each and every member in it is worth the effort. It's been said that our community doesn't really exist and that some of the personas that people have taken on also do not exist. I challenge that thought. People have created and contributed to this community (and I don't like using the term "virtual" in this regard) by writing and doing what they feel. The heart of a community isn't buildings, streets or other tangible structures. It's the hopes, desires, joys and pain of it's people. It's the relationships that have been forged, friends that have been made and the successes and disappointments that have been shared. It's the people...
I'd very much like for us to get together again next June. Am I asking for those who worked so hard in the past to give so much of themselves again? No... There's no reason some of the newer blood can't pitch in (and with an experienced guided hand) take on some of the responsibility. Those who have worked so hard in the past should be able to take a "break" and be the ones to sit back and enjoy a Gathering from a more relaxed perspective. If they want to continue to participate from an active standpoint... great! But they shouldn't feel as though they have to because that's what everyone expects.
I'm a retired U.S. Marine and maybe this post comes from the "die first... then quit" mentality they engrained in me. I know that some of us aren't in the best of health and I'm certain this hasn't helped matters. What I hope, is that those most affected will take a period of time and allow themselves to cool off and try to mend fences. I'm not so naive to think that this can happen over night or, for that matter, even at all. But consider that... please.
If you lasted this long through my post, I'm impressed. I don't post often, but I do so enjoy reading the musings of others. Many of whom I have the honor to call "friends". Thank you for your time.
Best Regards,
Marc