To All: As a preface to this topic, I want to say that I try to be more of a listener that a "talker", or to at least make my comments as short as possible. Now, I'm not as good of a manager of the subject line as I should be, and I probably don't manage other aspects of the use of this "list" as well as I should - - in response to the comments today, I promise to be less lazy and manager better. However, I, for one, find the "banter" to be (1) charming, (2) an illuminating insight into folks that I feel (or in fact enjoy) a kinship with, and (3) Educational. I, personally, have learned/gleaned many precious facts and insight into my genealogy from the info posted to this site for all to read. At the same time I understand that many folks are "space limited", and find the things I enjoy to be a liability. Perhaps the correct solution is a chat room. I don't know, because I have never chatted on line, and know little about doing so. I am willing to learn, however, and to find ways to address the needs of all. I, for one, however, do not respond well to being "chastised." One of the most enjoyable aspects of this list for me is the mutual respect and admiration that the vast majority of list users demonstrate to each other, and their obvious joy at the interaction and learning afforded to all of us. The least enjoyable thing I encounter, is the "whining" of those customers who are "disatisfied.", especially when that whining is critical of others. This is a voluntary event as far as I can tell. Frankly, if I didn't like the way the list was run, or the actions of the folks who use it, I's start my own list, run it my own way, and have discourse limited to just those who think, act and fell just like me. But, of course, that would take initiative, work and a level of risk that most "complainers" aren't ever willing to take on - - now that is something I just can't respect. Well, having vented here, I sit, paused over the send key. Should I, or shouldn't I send. Hmmm! Having spent the energy to write this, should I send it and take the risk of offending others, or, even worse, opening myself up to criticism. Will my intended audience even HEAR me. Based on my experience in dealing with children (both young and adult children), I suppose they wont Should I send? Oh, heck yes. Let's all be adults, work together, and I'm sure that we can have what we want and/or need without any further character assassination. My sermon for the week. I will send. Bill -----Original Message----- From: Ann Lemaster- Applegate [mailto:annapplegate@maysvilleky.net] Sent: Saturday, December 18, 1999 1:35 AM To: KYJOHNSO-L@rootsweb.com Subject: Let there be Peace Come on, gang! There is no need to be criticizing one another. If there is a problem, bring it to my attention by means of private e-mail. This list is not limited to just names & dates. It is also for learning more about the history and landmarks of Johnson County. It is for sharing stories about our Johnson County ancestors. Through these we can better understand how our ancestors lived, the struggles they faced, the challenges they met on a day to day basis. And along that road, we are getting to know each other better. What traits of our ancestors have we inherited? What likeness to them do we share? We learn these important and interesting tidbits through our bantering, i.e., height seems to run in the Lemaster bloodline. It also lets those that are not familiar with Johnson County learn more about the traditions, foods, superstitions, etc. that may not be common in their area. Nonproductive? I believe I have seen quite a bit of info swapping lately on the list. I have seen list members reaching out to help each other in their quest. I do agree that we could all try a little harder on keeping the subject line appropriate to the body of the message. But as I have said before, if you read something you do not like, or feel the topic of conversation has gone astray from Johnson County, either bring your complaint/concern to me, or delete it, dont debate it. And, for those interested, I am checking into chat forums. As soon as I find one that suits our needs, I will post details. In the meantime, if any of you know of a good chat forum that is user friendly and easy to set up, please let me know. Ann Lemaster-Applegate your Johnson County Listowner ==== KYJOHNSO Mailing List ==== Comments or suggestions pertaining to this list may be sent to: annapplegate@maysvilleky.net Visit the Johnson County Historical Society homepage: http://www.rootsweb.com/~kyjchs/johnson.html