At 10:56 AM 2/28/2002 -0800, you wrote:
>I don't think its the list itself that makes people feel that the star
>parties are exclusive. I think it's just the occassional reading of
>messages about people freaking out about etiquette, etc that intimidate
>newcomers who don't want to feel unwelcome if they accidentally turn on a
>white light or something like that.
>
Good observation, Rob. I was having a conversation just last night about
this. As often happens, the mind bounces things around as a background
task that will unexpectedly pop up an answer.
TAC over the years has strayed, or changed, from a list of friendly
beginner observers to one that has a core of "serious" astronuts. Nothing
wrong with that, by itself, but some of the forgiving and casual nature of
the group, when in the field, has been lost. That is a shame, because hard
rules that can develop, and sometimes heated debates can and surely do put
off newcomers and beginners.
TAC was a LOT of fun in "the old days" and I feel it is a shame that it
strayed. I want to see it move back to its gregarious and overtly friendly
attitude.
I admit I have contributed at times to the perception of hard, intolerant,
or exclusive. While that has never been my intent, nor do I for a minute
believe it is the intent of others, without care and thoughtfulness remarks
that should be well intended can appear otherwise.
I am personally going to make a conscious effort toward inclusion. The
list if full of good people, who with some forethought can enjoy our mutual
interest, in all of its manifestations.
I ask that we stop complaining about white light that will occasionally
occur.... heck.... in a big group it is bound to happen. Lose your dark
adaptation? Have an image blown? Okay... no need to shoot
someone! People forget or are uninitiated. They'll learn. That's what we
want, isn't it? We invite others out so they'll learn. Learning to
cooperate, understand and encourage is part of being in a group.
Everyone is welcome when we (TAC) get together. Even crabby old farts.