mailings

[Mary Jo Jackel]

>>
>> dear folks, i am receiving far too much mail that is not really that
>> useful.
>
>Which leads to the question why we have this list.
>
>> i don't know if there is a way to receive information only on
>> resources, books, conferences, etc,
>
>Like a bulletin board? Without comments, opinions (scholarly and
>otherwise)? Not much fun, I imagine, and not mind tickling either.
>
>> and not all the back and forth.
>
>For those who actively participate this "back and forth" is much more
>useful, I think. It's about *sharing* knowledge, not about one side
>being the supplier of information and the other the taker. People have
>the chance to discuss things without having to cover 10,000 miles to
>see each other. Academic life has far too long consisted of people
>sticking to themselves, keeping stuff in the drawers of their desks
>(for whatever reason), lacking the opportunity to quickly talk over
>this or that matter with a colleague. Others who whitness these
>conversations can throw their own views in which in the end may have
>some synergetic effects and clear things up.
>
>But maybe there are other opinions on this here. The mic's open...
>
>One thing, yes: I haven't seen much exciting discussion on here lately
>either (but I'm sitting in the glass house...)
>
>Henry

Thank you Henry. I am very happy to be able to read the discussions between
knowledgeable people. For those of us who live in areas where there is no
other access to such immediate questions, statements, and responses, the
list is an interesting and educational tool. Keep talking. Regards, Mary Jo