Actually, the list focus is "Informed Discussion of Beekeeping Issues
and Bee Biology". Informed is the operative word. The list is not for
beginning beekeepers to ask beginner questions, even thought they do and
are treated courtesy. It is a great place to lurk, as I did when I first
joined the list. But I was a member of several beekeeping sites,
including beginners, so my educational stream was a combination of under
and post graduate. Learned a lot.
Back in the good old days, when the list was not moderated, the level of
heat on some subjects, take FGMO or science, was intense.
I actually consider the recent discussion on almonds enlightening. There
were heated comments, but when you consider what happened, the level of
heat was actually tempered. I know if I had been one of the Mid-West
beekeepers who walked into that buzz saw, my forbearance would have been
limited.
Most really heated threads are on the tried and true. Organic honey is
one that brings back fond memories, mouldering in the archives. I think
there should be a movie about the dead that seem to continually arise
from the archives and haunt this list. Frightening.
We tend to repeat what has been said many times, but for many it is new,
since they are new to the list. And it is interesting to see new people
post on the tried and true. I learn from them too. Best not to get too
set in our ways. Dennis has convinced me there is something behind small
cells, but I am still not sure (nor is he) what that might be. He
persisted and I thank him for it.
What I loved about recent threads was they brought out many who normally
hide in the woodwork, like Jim and Murray. I sit back in awe when they
post, since I learn each time. They generally stand back most of the
time since they have been there and done that. But when the topic picks
up some heat, they join in to give a rational (at least in Murrays case)
response :) Allen was quiet, but he is always quiet and unassuming.
So I do not mind a little heat. Keeps it interesting. The list is
actually fairly civilized now. In the recent almond discussion, after
all had calmed down, there were more apologizes than at a Rodney King
reunion.
Bill Truesdell
Bath, Maine
-- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/bee-l for rules, FAQ and other info ---
|