[ARC5] All Good Things... (was "Interest...")

[Dennis Monticelli]

I have found that "bait-n-switch" works with the younger generation.
Start with something that captures their interest and then draw them
further in.  A small percentage of those with initial interest will follow
their curiosity and want to learn more.  Keep feeding that curiosity.  A
minority of those will eventually become enamored with things of the past
and these are your success stories.  Finally, do not expect to make
long-term converts out of teenagers.  Just plant the seed and hopefully it
will germinate later.

Those that will preserve our collections will not be the teenagers, it will
be generation immediately below us because they will find themselves in the
position of decision makers.  Cultivate those 40 and 50 somethings.  They
in turn will have the responsibility to bring along generation n-2.  Surely
there will be far fewer of us going forward but it won't take a large
population of afficionados to preserve the history and the best examples of
the art.

Dennis AE6C

On Fri, Nov 20, 2015 at 4:05 AM, David Stinson <arc5 at ix.netcom.com> wrote:

> "I don't know.  The young people just don't care
> about this anymore.  They have new things that interest them."
>
> "Yes, but surely some of them see and appreciate the
> fine craftsmanship, the elegant beauty and function.
> We need to think of interesting projects; a way to get them involved.
> We're getting old and unless we
> can spark a passion like ours in the young, the craft
> will pass away with us!"
>
> "Yes; that may be an answer.  There will always be
> at least a few who will appreciate and cherish these
> works of skill and art.  We must find them and
> "pass the torch" of our passion and knowledge
> before it goes out forever...."
>
> This conversation took place in China.
> 5000 years ago.
> They were talking about the dying skill and art
> of crafting excellent and beautiful chariots.
> Conversations like it have been repeated for millenia.
>
> Today, those with the skill and the passion
> to produce fine chariots can be counted on the fingers of one hand.  They
> still exist, and they matter, but the passion and skill will inevitably
> pass from the living world.
>
> It is the nature of the Universe and of Man himself
> that "all good things must come to an end."
> We can and should make efforts to preserve our craft
> as long as possible, but we must also accept that its time
> has come and gone.   Few will "carry the flame" for us.
> Find those few- they are what matter. Ignore the masses, for they do not.
>
> Perhaps it's best to adapt the ancient Greek philosophy
> (was it the Stoics?) :  "The universe was born when I was born and will
> cease to exist when I die."
> Cherish and enjoy your passion and craft while your
> time remains, but do not expect it to survive forever; Nothing physical
> can.
>
> There is this:  Unlike "those who have no hope-"
> for a person of Faith, nothing is ever lost.  Everything is remembered and
> preserved.   Faith is the only hope of conquering Entropy.
> The Almighty has proven Himself to me.
> I will trust Him.
>
> GL OM ES 73 DE Dave AB5S
>
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