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<DIV>Once again someone just beginning the fascinating climb up the family tree
<EM>dares</EM> to ask this list for help. Clearly this is someone putting
a tentative toe into the water as evidenced by the fact that the message begins
with a question about how to post. Instead of a warm welcome to the world
of genealogy, Kay received a response that was lacking in simple courtesy.
It seemed to me to be a put-down; as responses from Walt often
do. Maybe he doesn't mean to come across the way he does. Walt always
has his immediate defenders, but why does he seem so frequently to need
them?</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>I frankly disagree with the implication that age and infirmity convey some
right to be impatient or discourteous. Many of the people who helped me
most when I was beginning in genealogy were elderly people who were friendly;
helpful; and above all, patient. They were people who were happy to share
both information and researching tips. I am indebted to them and my
philosophy has always been that I can repay that debt by sharing with others who
are just beginning. Also, part of the fun for me in genealogy at this
point is solving puzzles and often that involves finding or sharing information
on lines that are not mine. </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>The majority of the people who share information on this list seem to be
very helpful and courteous. Maybe the answer is to drown out the
"curmudgeons" and curmudgeon defenders by responding immediately to new
list members with a warm welcome, constructive advice, and encouragement.
Otherwise there will soon be nobody left on this list but the curmudgeon
contingent.</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>Carla</DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
<DIV>PS...the old holdover from the very early days of the internet when posting
in all caps was mostly used by flamers to SHOUT insults, usually is overlooked
on lists such as this. Many people are hunt-and-peck "keyboarders" (See, I
don't want date myself by saying "typists"!) and either choose to compose
in all caps, or to type without any capital letters. It's the content that
counts, not the font, or the spelling, or the punctuation, or the lack/surplus
of capital letters. </DIV>
<DIV> </DIV>
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