and links to letterboxing information".>
Just in case anyone is wondering how to access these sites, go to the
"Links" page of the talk list's website. I encourage anyone with helpful
info on their site to post the link there.
Scoutdogs
> Date: Wed, 13 Aug 2003 10:00:44 -0000
> From: "SpringChick"
> Subject: Re: Database vs. Evolution
>
> I agree that change is inevitable, As the hobby grows, the way we do
> things will change, sometimes for the better, sometimes not. But
> that doesn't have to mean a change in direction, away from the spirit
> of the game.
>
> It has been incorrectly assumed that because folks don't want their
> boxes listed in the database that they do not want to hear reports on
> them. In the majority of cases, nothing could be further from the
> truth. I love to hear reports on my boxes, and appreciate when
> finders e-mail me with their successes (and non-successes). This is
> how I keep tabs on my boxes and keep up-to-date status information on
> each box on the clue page. I am fortunate to be in Michigan where
> the majority of boxers don't even read the Yahoo list, so the logical
> way to report they have found a box is via e-mail.
>
> It has also been incorrectly assumed that because some folks have
> voiced dislike of sitreps that they do not want to hear about boxing
> adventures. I love reading fun and interesting stories such as those
> reported by BeMa (and others). The concern is reports that reveal
> specifics about boxes and give away information that the seeker
> intended to be part of the challenge and/or reward of finding the
> box. And then there are the reports that are just lists of boxes
> found which seem that they would have been more effectively sent to
> the placer.
>
> It also concerns me that when people report their box finds to the
> list, that they are assuming this serves as notification to the box
> placer. Of course nobody is under any obligation to report a box
> find to the placer, but many do ask to be notified via e-mail. In
> the past it wasn't always obvious how to get in touch with the
> placer, so box finds were sometimes posted to the list hoping they
> would see them there. The new LbNA site makes it possible to e-mail
> any box placer. Posting to the list is not the same thing, as many
> people do not read the list.
>
> It also has been thrown out a few times that perhaps the elders could
> teach the newer members. I believe that most of those clinging to
> tradition have been very active in organizing events and workshops
> for the letterboxing community as a whole. Several also have web
> sites that give a wealth of information and links to letterboxing
> information. But making the information and instruction available is
> only half of it... people still need to take advantage of the
> learning tools that are presented. And most of all, need to
> understand that as with so many other things in life, the best
> teacher is experience.
>
> This post is not meant as a flame to anyone and please do not flame
> me back either on list or via personal e-mail. I am tired of the
> same people who are saying that we must respect people's opinions and
> get past the negativity sending me e-mail that is negative and
> disrespectful.
>
> I think this thing has gone round and round and been beaten
> completely to death. I for one, will agree to disagree because the
> back and forth is no fun and certainly fits nowhere into the
> reasoning of why I letterbox.
>
> SpringChick