I'm going to try again to explain because I think my points are getting
lost and put as only individual responsibility--when it's confusing
regardless of what responsibility we try to exercise.
I have voted since I became a CC--I missed one, I think. And I recall one
election when I was all hyped up to vote, arrived at the page---and found
ONE item / person. (That was disappointing! I even emailed to ask if I got
the right voting page.)
As a new CC back then, I did try to learn. I went to the site, tried to
find nomination "speeches". It must have been a year of oldtimers who,
like you just stated, thought everyone knew them so why bother writing up a
description. Plus, I had to go to multiple places--the speeches were on
many different websites. I went above and beyond on ones who had no nom
page--I visited the CC list, found one of the nominated, and visited their
website just to try to learn more about them. (Though those treks told me
nothing about the person or their work for the USGenWeb. But I did see lots
of nice websites which inspired me to learn HTML.)
Back then, I also joined the list where CCs can listen in to the Board. I
don't know when that list stopped coming to me... or why. I figured my
gmail IP got blocked on one more RW list. I haven't had time to go
investigate, refind the list, and re-subscribe.
I am part of the PA list. Being part of a list does not, by inference,
mean people "know each other". It isn't anyone's fault--it's the
nature of
ANY mailing list. PA has 67 counties and the most times I see people's
names are for Roll Call. Lists, generally, have become 'old news', and
people on Lists all over RW are NOT big on posting. Isn't our SCs
fault...it just is. I 'know' some of our CCs by name, mostly by 'sight'
of
their names--but not if you asked me to do a fill-in-the-blank test. I
don't think any member should be blamed, shamed or ridiculed about personal
responsibility to 'know' and remember names (see next paragraph).
Denise, you've stated you had some distressing medical problems the last
year or two. People in the USGenWeb may not realize that many CCs live
distressed lives from injuries, illness(es), chronic (and severe) pain, and
perhaps even live (every day) in very changed or restricted daily lives.
In April, I just started my 17th year of a very changed life after an
injury 29 years ago and an 'acute' medical problem 17 yrs ago (so it's a 29
year medical saga for me). It's one reason I can relate to your medical
distress/crisis, Denise, and your frustration when you've felt "we" in any
area of the project haven't understood or been compassionate about your
situation. Believe me, I do understand. Maybe you can also understand why
some members aren't 100% either. Many of us have very severe problems,
too, and worries/stress that go with it.
However, besides that, I'm pointing out that Elections in our project ARE
confusing (even for folks without medical issues). It would help if the EC
could include the URLs to make it easier and so people don't feel we're
starting from scratch every year. (Arrg--where did I see that USGW page?
Ok, Google, where is it??) Maybe all nominees could understand we DO need
your write-ups, even if it feels boring to write it and even if you think
"everyone" should already know you/your work. If I was new this year, how
would I know who you are?
As well, maybe hopeful-nominees and the Board could understand that despite
members trying to get to know who's who, the whole nominating process feels
like trying to find a dropped sewing needle on beige carpeting. Perhaps we
need a change? HOW do I know WHO to nominate? Maybe interested folks
could write to the EC, the EC tell the membership "these folks have
interest", then open nominations from that pool PLUS the whole membership.
If the process remains the same, then expect the same people to nominate...
and likely to nominate the same people.
The process has been and remains confusing. (I'm just willing to finally
say it and to look stupid because I'm saying it.) I don't know what to
suggest. Maybe...why couldn't ALL members write 3 to 5 sentences about
themselves that the EC could house in that area year-round? Members could
at least look at these mini-bios at Election time. Something like:
Name. CC in PA since 2006. Held these positions: x, y, z. Work as a
waitress. Active in local civic affairs. Enjoy cats, sewing, hiking, and
cooking. Decline any nominations until further notice. (Or... Interested
in nominations.) [Whatever the person wants to share without disclosing
their entire lives online.]
Then we all wouldn't just be faceless names. And members could learn about
each other throughout the years, and wouldn't be trying to figure out HOW
to figure out who to nominate.
Judy