Hello Everyone, First, as Cara and I manage both the MacVisionaries and V iPhone lists, I am cross-posting.
Second, allow me to extend a welcome to all the new list members. For the past couple of hours, I given a great deal of thought on how to respond to some of the statements made on list, today. Finally, it occurred to me that to respond to the messages that have stirred up more than a few flames would be the worst thing I could possibly do. So, instead, I will say the following: 1. Like it or not, as blind and low vision people, we share an existence that binds us together in a very special way. Some people treasure this bond and some do not but regardless it is there. I want you all to know that I value this connection more than words can express. 2. I ask you all to keep in mind that despite the efforts of some list members, neither the MacVisionaries nor the V iPhone lists exist merely to serve as a database of questions and answers; if that is what you seek, then you would be better serve by searching your nearest knowledge base. In addition to exchanging knowledge, This list is a place for us to fellowship in some small way. I want to make it clear that in no way am I condoning personal chat-like posts but, from time-to-time, such posts will make their way to the entire list. When this happens, please be tolerant. 3. We share a bond, Family, so it really doesn't matter to which list you choose to subscribe for the information will eventually find its way to us all. I don't want anyone to leave the list for I sincerely think Cara has cultivated something very unique and special here but if you think you can build a better mousetrap then, by all means, build it and we will celebrate you for in so doing, we celebrate ourselves as we are one community. It's really that simple. There is no competition. 4. A very special thanks to all of you who take the time to answer questions and publish some of the best podcasts in the world. I'm always excited when someone posts a notice to the list describing his/her latest podcast which is filled with useful information from which we all can benefit. Thank you, thank you, thank you. 5. It is not easy to manage large email lists for there will always be some who choose to see only the shadows in a room filled with light. It is to these list members that I say the following: Personal criticisms will no longer be tolerated. While I will not ban anyone from receiving information posted to the list, if you lob personal attacks against any other list member or take it upon yourself to moderate fellow members by criticizing their posts, I will summarily revoke your posting privileges. It's really that simple. If you have a problem which a list member, contact that person off-list. If you don't like something on the list, Contact Cara or me. Just so you know, I have already begun to implement this policy. 6. To those who think that "no one is listening", I want you to know that, because of the brilliant implementation of VoiceOver with the Mac mail client and the iOS mail client, I either read or skim through virtually all of the list messages. 7. To those of you who find yourselves being overwhelmed with posts from the lists, I invite you to consider either switching to List Digest Mode or explore your preferred mail client so that you can browse list messages more efficiently. 8. I want you to know that I look forward to reading all your messages. When reading, I am amazed at how comforting it is to learn that I am not the only one experiencing a particular problem or challenge on my Apple device or in my Apple compatible software. Some how, I feel less alone when reading your experiences so please keep them coming. 9. As has been stated several times before, whenever there is a major operating system release, list traffic will increase. Please be tolerant of this and know that more often than not, the increase is temporary. 10. We live in amazing times, Family; keep this in mind when you find yourself becoming discouraged, irritated, or just plain bothered. As blind and low vision people, we enjoy access to the world in ways that no generation before us could even imagine. Be assured that the integrity of this list is intact and all is well. I hope this message finds you happy, safe, and making a joyful noise. Most Sincerely, Mark -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "MacVisionaries" group. To post to this group, send email to macvisionaries@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to macvisionaries+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/macvisionaries?hl=en.
