Exegesis Volume 3 Issue #1 From: "Francis G. Kostella" Subject: Exegesis List: Alive or Dead? You Decide!
Exegesis Digest Tue, 20 Jan 1998

Date: Mon, 19 Jan 1998 14:31:01 +0000
From: "Francis G. Kostella"
To: exegesis
Subject: Exegesis List: Alive or Dead? You Decide!
 

I received this email last night and since it reflected my own concerns with the Exegesis list I decided to answer it in public without notifying the author in advance (thus I've removed the name of the author as a courtesy).

 > To: fgk
 > Date sent: Sat, 17 Jan 1998
 > Subject: Exegesis List?
 >
 > I recently subscribed to the Exegesis List
 > and have found no activity. Is there in
 > fact a subscriber base that doesn't post,
 > or is this a virtually dead list?

More of the first than the second. In the past, when I've suggested that the list be closed for lack of postings, subscribers have asked that the list be kept open anyway and have taken the time to post. But gradually the postings taper off until someone notices that the list is quiet and there is a new "flare-up". Despite that, as long as Dermod is willing to host the list at Metalog, I'm willing to continue as moderator. I believe that the quality and variety of writing here has made up for the lack of quantity of writings, and I believe it worth a few more years of effort to see where it leads.

Just for the record, we have been steadily gaining subscribers since the original dozen or so, the latest count is 217 members. Also for the record, the list receives a steadily increasing number of memos, notices, and advertisements on astrology topics, ALL of which I toss out since I believe that subscribers here are receiving the same information elsewhere. I'm starting to think that I should make a "standard" monthly posting to remind subscribers that they are still joined and to give out a few small pointers to other, busier lists.

 > The premise of the list seems quite valuable,
 > and I would wonder why it's not being actively
 > pursued.

Indeed, I wonder the same. My own hypothesis is that the subject matter is perceived to be a topic for experts, (at whose feet a number of people would like to seat themselves) yet we lack these experts. I draw a parallel between astrology and language, where both seem to sprung upon the world fully formed, and with a great number of skillful users. However, when one investigates the origins one finds a great mystery, and purely logical theories only carry one so far, seemingly not far enough to explain the reality of the subject as it exists for real people.

The difficulty we face is not the need for a small and simple bridge over a bubbling spring, but to build a huge span over a gulf, the other side seemingly invisible. Hearing one's own small voice echoing in the mist is daunting and one may question the task and the goals and the methods. Thus, I believe, we tend to let the topic fade while we busy ourselves with more mundane concerns more easily dealt with. But I think that we are well served by making the efforts and by asking the questions, and this list is here so that we have at least one small place to make those attempts.

 > If there are subscribers that are
 > waiting for someone to get things
 > started, I'll post a few things and
 > see what happens.

Please do! And I'm sure there are a number of folks who have something to say who have been waiting for others to talk first, take this as an invitation to speak up. (Avoid Flames Please)

--fran (your friendly moderator)

End of Exegesis Digest Volume 3 Issue 1

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