Dear Bee-L listserv recipients and fellow beekeepers:
A short time ago I joined The Bee-L listserv thinking that I would be
sharing ideas with people who like me had a common interest, love for
honeybees.  Never in my wildest imagination thinking that it would be a
forum for "nit-pickers" hell-bent on getting their daily dosis of
excitement from ridiculing their fellow men. I notice with concern that
my original thoughts about the list service were not as perceived
judging by the personal comments distrubuted through the service. Since
this is an internet service available to the "whole wide world" I feel
compelled to offer a brief explanation, asking my fellow recipients to
be indulgent with me.
     I have dedicated a lifetime to beekeeping and, yes, most of my
adult life to SCIENTIFIC research.  From the onset, I chose to perform
research at my own expense precisely because I did not wish to be
hand-tied to publish (as in contrast to those who perform research at
someone else's expense).  Hence, if and when I publish my work, it is
entirely up to me. There is no rule as when, where, or through what
medium research if published.  The medium does not determine the
"quality" of research.  Time is the test for  the veracity of assertions
made by investigators.
     I take pride in my work and form of expression. I may not use the
most flowery descriptive prose (granted: I have made spelling errors)but
I make great efforts in the use of my adopted second language: English.
and have become used to criticism about my form of expression.  Every
time such remarks are made, a faint smile appears on my lips as I think
of J. Vandryes simile:
  "The ice borrows its substance . . . " J. Vandryes, Language: A
Linguistic Introduction to History; translation by Paul Radin pp 275-6,
New York, (1925).
   I use the word honeybee because there is only one of its kind
(regardless of linguistic preferences) while there are thousands of
other bees.  I believe that as beekeepers we should distinguish between
the two when we speak about the subject to which we devote so much
attention.
    In an effort not to offend sensitivities in the future and to
continue enjoying the benefits of "listserv" I promise t become a silent
recipient of its many contributions.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND MANY HAPPY RETURNS IN BEEKEEPING.
Dr. Pedro Rodriguez
2133 Wolfsnare Road
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23454
[log in to unmask]