Alt-BEAM Archive
Message #01513
To: tmairs@img.net
From: JVernonM@aol.com
Date: Tue, 9 Mar 1999 19:54:43 EST
Subject: [alt-beam] Re: What is this crap ?
In a message dated 3/9/99 4:35:58 PM Eastern Standard Time, tmairs@img.net
writes:
> What happened to the BEAM list?
This is the second time I've seen this asked by someone, whom because of their
order of signing onto the list, feels some kind of ownership of it is being
lost to the hordes of mouthy "newbies". I have been told (I presume by the
originator of the list), that there is only three criteria for discussion on
the list:
>1. Build BEAM robots.
>2. Design new BEAM robots..
>3. Answer BEAM robotics questions.. (building based
- electronics, mechanics, etc..)
That's it. I thought the list was more of an open format centered on BEAM
topics, but a few (and they seem to usually be the original 10 or 20) find the
bug eyed exuberance of BEAM discovered to be a nuisance. Even an out and out
insult. Yes, the list has changed, it has to do with the E in BEAM standing
for evolution, growth, and change. I enjoyed the discussions with others about
the more abstract side of this technology. I enjoy the poles, and listing of
new sites. Keep up the good work. If you have a PIC of your latest and
greatest, post it on your site and let us share in your pride by telling us on
the list. There are over 400 (I think) people on this list now, and I'm afraid
that means the rules will change. I haven't felt comfortable posting my
opinions to the list lately, as I didn't wish to attract a "Hey what the
heck..." kind of letter. I e-mailed my philosophical opinions about plants off
the list. Some on the list may have been interested, and it could spark seeds
of imagination in some other builder's mind. It did in mine. It's a shame
really, things only progress when there is complete, open, and equal access. I
delete the ones that I know I'm not interested in, but I kind of resent being
told I shouldn't send or get certain ones because they fall outside of the
"accepted" posting topics. I think some wish the list to simply be a format of
the handful who, in their own minds, own the list, the knowledge, the
technology, and the wisdom. The rest of us simply signed on to bask in the
glory of their favor if they decide to answer yet another, sigh, newbie
question. Come on guys, lose the let 'em eat cake attitude. I retreat to my
corner of the shadows now.
Sincerely,
Jim
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