My mail has my name on it - who are you?

The Webmasters were formed as a group in order to separate the workload
of the site from the talk list so that the pastime could develop as a
happy activity not overrun with administrative details. It is not
possible to accomplish much in a timely manner with a large group, so a
smaller group was formed of the originators and several web-savvy
talklist contributors. Active membership has shifted over the years and
has been accomplished without a formal organization. Shared governance
has been a hallmark of the group from the beginning and members have
represented a diversity of geography, background, skills and
temperament.

You are correct in noting that alternatives have existed at various
times in the groups history. Many topics are rediscovered on the list as
the active participants change in any given span of months. Many newer
list "talkers" do not recognize posts by participants whose history
stretches back to the beginnings in 1998 and this is fine. Many
discussions have occurred previously and there are reasons why things
are done in the manner that one sees on the site. If there are
questions, ask. There is certainly opportunity for change and for
improvement.

Recent postings regarding a single subject of "liability" displayed
a great variety of heartfelt approaches to the topic and created a
magnitude of controversy that left in its wake hurt feelings and
possible estrangement from the group. If a single person had control of
the site discussions, such as that one, could be moderated (edited or
black-out) and the forum could be manipulated to conform with a single
person's views. The group founders wish to avoid this.

The choice of a commercial site was made because it offered the
Webmasters the best opportunity for shared governance by having multiple
access points through a single password. We have been willing to pay
out of our own pockets for the site through our love for the activity.
None of us is independently wealthy and all have families. The work and
funds have not been born equally, but each has contributed what they
can. As the workload has increased we have discussed ways to ease the
burdens. One of the ways is letting the group know that help and funds
would be appreciated.

Another founding principle has been to use our true names. The use
of "boxing names" or aliases has become more prevalent in the past year
and may have a point as the group continues to grow. However, it is
reasonable for me to point out that the "founders" did not use aliases
and have formed lasting friendships and working relationships with
people across the country and in Dartmoor. Some of us have met in
person, and others have not, geography has made its presence known in
this cyberworld. The fact of geography has not prevented exchange of
ideas and philosophy. In this way, the magic of the Internet has
brought us back in time to some of the correspondence masterpieces of
previous centuries. Perhaps our group is blessed by geography and
diversity.

Regards,

Susan
in green mist of the mountains Vermont