Alwyn and listers
I'm so sorry to read of your decision to give up the administration of the lists.
When I started these lists (seems such a long time ago) it was in the hope of giving
something back to our genealogical 'family'. I've received so much help since
I started my research I felt it was time to try to help others and my greatest
encouraement in this came from Stan. When it all became too much (having been on the
receiving end of some upsetting messages) I asked you, alwyn, if you would take over and
how grateful I was with your prompt agreement to do so. The lists have certainly
benefitted from your knowledge and assistance and I regret your loss.
I have spoken at length to Stan this morning - he had already sent me a copy of your
message to him, alwyn in which you apologised for any (quite unintended) insult. I must
make it clear to all our listers, at this point, that Stan has not sent any off list
messages to Alwyn. Whatever he's had to say on the matter has been seen by all.
(Just in case any of you might have read between the lines and come to the wrong
conclusion).
I do feel that some tolerance is required on any list towards all those people who do not
live their lives tied to a computer and to whom anything other than the basics is a
minefield of techno-babble. So much of it is meaningless to me too and I'm probably
just as 'guilty' of quoting and leaving original messages on when I reply to list.
However, I do like to see whats gone before and although there is a two line address to
access for archival material, I neither have the time nor, I must confess, the patience to
go down that road. Time is precious and I have so many other e-mails coming through for
the Society that the list messages are so much easier when the whole thing can be seen.
If it isn't anything I can help with then I just delete.
Please don't think, Alwyn, that there is a split between the lists and Gwynedd FHS -
that is certainly not the case. Knowledgeable people are a precious commodity and should
be valued by both the lists and the Society - that includes both you and Stan.
Unfortunately, as a result of all thats gone on, Stan's knowledge has been lost to
the, lists. We all have our opinions and some of us voice them a little more strongly
than others, but even so, as long as there are no insults or rudeness, then we should be
allowed to voice them.
I'm sorry to see your comments regarding volunteers for taking on the task of
administrator and suggesting the it could perhaps be Stan. Hopefully a comment made
tongue in cheek, but unnecessary even so and just perpetuates the problem.
We are here to help each other in the best way we can. Lets try to be tolerant of any
failings perceived in others. Its time to move one.
On behalf of everyone you've helped through your presence on the list, I thank you.
Should you decide to continue with your decision to stand down, please don't remove
yourself from the lists as your input is an asset. The same can be said for Stan. I have
tremendous admiration for both of you with regard to your genealogical knowledge. I
regret that you have been subject to unpleasant messages off-list - that should not have
happened. Please let me know if I can help in any way.
Best wishes to everyone
Yvonne
Gwynedd FHS