[TheForge] Member participation - NJ

[Vincent Nakovics]

Yes, I remember the organizational problems of participation well. I know it has only gotten worse. 2020-2021 break has forced even more people online and is contributing to less participation in groups of all kinds from what I have read. (ever wonder why Read becomes red? 😊)  I do know I have met many people here in Europe who believe that one can become as proficient in Blacksmithing using YouTube as they can by belonging to a group or through training. I found this to be an amazing statement by two people who run blacksmith museums. The first time I heard it was in Germany, several years ago, and again in Slovenia just this past summer. I was like really, if you say so.   Those wannabees you mentioned Bruce believe that and will spend so many extra hours re-inventing the wheel in many cases, instead of asking for advice from someone nearby.  I have answered many of those beginner questions and make the suggestion to contact a group somewhere and often the response is: they are too far.  That is a deceptive term, too far may mean across town to some of them, so I figure it is fear or anti-social behavior.    Regardless – the newsletter business has always been a slog. I wrote most of my issues in their entirety (?)     As to running an organization, hahaha. I have belonged to larger and smaller ones and it is always the same. A small number of people run it and a smaller group within drive it.     Of course part of that is brow beating, shaming, harassing the others to participate, as you know. I do feel your pain.   I wish you good luck in returning your group to it’s former status.

Happy New Year to everyone! Health and Prosperity to All!!!

From Albania! Vince

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Sent: Wednesday, December 29, 2021 1:46 PM
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Subject: TheForge Digest, Vol 198, Issue 6

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