Richard Spear <[log in to unmask]> replied:
>"ahhh, but we *do* place our hives on "street corners" such as fairs
> and expositions, in order to expose people to the wonders and values
> of bees.  newsgroups will introduce many people to beekeeping - people
> who might not have come to it otherwise.
 
True, but not quite.  Most fair grounds I've been to would make nice
locations for bee yards, were it not for all the people.  People come
to fairs seeking out things such as bees (as well as other agricultural
persuits and the games and rides).  And when I work at the fairs I get
asked, "Do you get stung?" more times than I care to answer, but
continue to answer because I know there is a limit to the time I'll be
spending answering simple questions and occasionally I'll meet
someone at the fair who is truly interested in the art/craft of keeping
bees.  But I usually spend at most a day or two a summer working my
beekeepers association booth, and then I'm done.  A USENET group will be
a never ending, year 'round booth at the fair with questions asked by
people whose real purpose for attending in the first place is most
likely riding the Tilt-a-Whirl 'till they puke!  Call it a bit facile
and more than a bit elitist, but I'm more comfortable with a small
informative group than a large, noisy uninformed one.
 
Anyway, I've given more than my two cents worth here and I'll not post
any more on this topic (that poor horse!)  I'm sure I've made my position
clear on this issue and I'll refrain from using this scholarly list as if
it were a USENET group any further.  ;-)
 
Aaron Morris (the horse beater's friend)
15 Year Hobby Beekeeper
Upstate N.Y. (where it's still snowing, with no signs of spring :( )