Re: Overwhelming!!!

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 7/31/00 12:25:09 AM !!!First Boot!!!,

dhollis062@... writes:

<<

Karyn,

Even getting the digests is overwhelming at times. I have 1 day a week where

I take a computer break. By the time I come back the next day there are

sometimes as many as 3 digests with 25 messages each. I have tried to

persuade myself to skip through but I'm afraid I'll miss some great posts and

then be behind. What should we do? Diane >>

Hi Diane,

I have been lifting my concerns to God. The development of the Network was

God inspired, I know. I have tried to read all the posts and it is

impossible. For myself, I am so pleased that it is running itself. That

pleases me. It growth has been more than I ever expected.

I truly believe that if you have to forego the posts you miss by starting

with the very current ones, you won't miss much. After a while you can figure

out how to slip right into the conversation.

I am glad that you are here and care so much.

Karyn

This is certainly a dilemma. I truly believe that a large membership makes a

powerful and influential voice. I am preparing the correct methodology to

have our voice heard. There are times some feel that the personal and

closeness of a message board may be the original purpose. Though it may be

difficult to feel like this is lost in the overwhelming number of members. It

is evident by the context of the posts that the caring, concern, and

closeness is present.

I print off the membership list so I can get to know everyone by their first

name. It is here, with in this list, that each and every one of you have come

together to speak a united voice.

It pleases me that many members, who would have otherwise unsubscribed, have

chosen to subscribe to the list by WEB ONLY. This maintains the strength of

our voice. When I speak to physicians, social workers, and write letters to

Congress and the Senate I feel that the fact that I can say that I represent

a forum of over a hundred persons who are affected by this disease, a " rare "

disease, brings attention and a need to listen.

I have heard that some members who subscribe to WEB only are able to request

to receive the messages by topics, members, or dates. This has helped some.

Another suggestion is to look at the subject heading and base your decision

to read or skip over that post on that. Everyone should try to review the

subject heading to make sure it still relates to your post.

Diane, I hear your dilemma. Every post is important. Every member is

important.

Karyn