[Businessmtg] OT/Newcomer

[Apryl Schneider]

What we are discussing is essentially two fold: regarding OT shares I strongly stand by take what you like and leave the rest. Or for those of us who prefer something more direct, use the delete key if you're bothered and/or choose not to read those shares. I'm in no way supportive of any idea that limits what folks can share. 

Next up we have newcomers; when I think back to my first meeting, which happened to be here at ASP, I recall having read all of the greeter material sent to me and still being a bit clueless on participating in our meeting. However, I persevered and made some mistakes but mostly I listened and I learned. It's by going through that process that 7 years later I enjoy (and guard with ferocity) a solid measure of serenity. If anyone had held my hand and eased my way I can't be sure the outcome would be the same. 

Yes, everyone's journey is different and we are navigating an online meeting which has done a right fine job of mimicking a F2F meeting as much as possible, but if we branch off into separate lists I'm afraid that the message gets diluted. We live in a time where for some reason the thinking about any subject seems to be how we can make more convenient and less hard work, just about anything because folks just can't be help responsible anymore. It's almost as if the concept of working hard for the benefit at the end has lost all luster. That said, I do like Jerry's idea of a newcomer section on the website that allows several stories and perhaps a quick word on sponsorship. 

Thanks! Apryl