[leps-talk] Who Edits the Editor?

Tue Jul 26 19:25:35 EDT 2005

The suggestion to hand out free copies of the most recent issue of the news at Alta-Vista to non Lep-Soc Members was made by John Masters, not a cabal of LepSoc executive scientists. Actually both John's suggestions were acted upon, as at the time they seemed like positive moves. Time was of the essence if we were to do this at the upcoming meetings.  Sorry.  No conspiracies. No late night plotting. Basically just myself (as Membership Committee chair) and John Masters (as a very energetic member concerned with the declining membership) doing what we could to reverse the trend.

Gary Anweiler

---- Original Message ----- 
  From: Charles Bordelon 
  To: TILS-leps-talk at yahoogroups.com 
  Sent: Tuesday, July 26, 2005 4:56 PM
  Subject: [leps-talk] Who Edits the Editor?

  In my experience as a writer, publisher, and editor, I have always used a group of people to edit my editing... My peers.  Knudson, my co-authors, and the ever-brilliant Andy Warren, among others, to openly criticize the article BEFORE it hits the stand, not after.  (I thought Andy was an old man until I met him!)

  First, I'll reiterate that I was against this membership drive to begin with.  My empathy smelled something wrong, if not rotten, about this being rushed through without full consideration of the relative impact of this situation, should it occur.  Well, it did.  I think John Masters knows what I mean, and his "revisited" thread showed his true concerns.  This had all good intentions, but the results have backfired, because none of us were asked, or some of us just flat ignored.

  Some, like myself, have a voice to the EC, but no vote.  Now, I'm not against trying to do this at some point, but I maintain that this whole thing was premature, ill-advised because of its prematurity, and my view summarily dismissed.  By God, it was their decision to ram this down our throats, whether we liked it or not.

  Well, the damage is done, and we have made not only our bed of nails, but now must also lie in it.  I think Phil truly would like to reword his comments, hindsight being 20-20.  
  He is a professional, but that doesn't necessarily make him an expert.  I'm a professional, and so are many of you. Who among us will step forth and say, "I'm an expert?"  I sure as hell ain't.  Some long-time birders with a full six weeks of experience under their belts have assured me that they will be up-to-speed experts very soon... Well, I just have to snicker, and sometimes even laugh out loud.  When I heard this previous statement, I let a howl out so loud, all the guys at the sawmill knocked off for lunch...

  I say this is a lot of sheer human arrogance and ignorance, starting at the point where some anthropomorphize insects, and JG has created an atmosphere and attitude of "Us and Them."  There was no "Us and Them," before he came along, but I certainly felt threatened when it did.  The ESA and the Kral incident has certainly escalated this issue way too far out of proportion, and don't you know that an entrepreneur like JG muttered the words, "Carpe diem."  

  Well, JG was a collector once.  Whether he got religion, or conscience, (a lawyer with conscience? Uh, strike that...) he saw an opportunity, and took quite the advantage of it.  As for Phil, he has a collection, and deems it necessary to do so when that need arises.  Another fear is that with Phil and Brian not attending the meeting is, who's next in line to get their mouths washed out with soap?  Don't soap the messenger, guys... Not this one.

  Suggestions...  Well... Hmmm.  I don't think that anyone attending this meeting isn't already aware of the shit this has stirred up, and even many more that won't be there.  The point is moot, and we'll have to muddle our ways through this.  I am devoted to the LepSoc, and I am bound as a representative to be just that, regardless of whether I hold any "clout," or not.  

  Second, will it become necessary to "police the police?"  After this, maybe so.  As an editorial, the letter was fine by the First Ammendment, but coming as an "official statement from the desk of the Editor, " I believe was "pushing the envelope."  Maybe a peer review committee should read editorials, ESPECIALLY by the editor, if that view is intended to be a stance held by all in the Society that is in fact, detrimental to all involved.  No, we shouldn't police every article.  That IS the editor's job.  We sure don't want to slow down the mailing process.  That issue IS being "addressed," pardon the pun.  I've heard good solutions regarding this.

  Finally, (ugghhh) collecting vs. not.  It is everyone's individual right to do one, both, or neither.  Like I said before, I will not IMPOSE my beliefs on others, so long as they don't to me...  End of story.  Everyone just cool it.  All the little cliques out there that want to turn this into a major political issue???  I didn't invite you.  Neither did a lot of us.  Your self-serving self-importance is a hindrance.  You don't know every damn thing, so shut up already if you don't want to contribute in a positive manner.  Start studying sheep if you want an insight to your own knowledge and abilities.  OK, I'm done...  cb

  [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

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