Articles

• MooseChat Canadian humor/satire echo "backboned"
• Solution-oriented or Problem-oriented?

MooseChat Canadian humor/satire
echo "backboned"
by Stephen Hart, 1:249/127
hart@io.com

Greetings! I am writing this "short" article to let y'all know that the MOOSECHAT Moose and Hoser "Canadian Humor" Chat echo has recently moved from being a Canadian regional echo to being available on the various FidoNet echomail backbones and 'spines.

Having accomplished the main purpose of this article, I could then have taken a couple different routes. Rather than attempt some of the humour and satire to be found in the message area, I'm just going to give a "quick" description of what MooseChat is like...

MooseChat is an echo for anyone who wants to attempt witty, humorous, or just plain silly messages. Many distinguished moose, Hosers from the Great White North, and even famous Performance Artists like Saddam Hussein and George Bush have all frequented MooseChat at one time or another. A moose-like angle, alias, or shtick is appreciated but not necessary. Moose sometimes stray into serious topics and satire is often seen, but those attempting serious discussion may need to survive receiving silly replies.

The MooseChat "echo theme" is to disseminate knowledge about the noble moose, to discuss attributes of moose we have known and admired, and to generally enter messages which are a bit more silly or offbeat than one finds in most other echoes.

Lest you think that unique Canadian content is not a significant part of MooseChat, I'll mention that participants will happily discuss topics like "Cheese as a significant part of Canadian Culture<tm>," "the letter U's importance to both our French and English heritage," plus "Doughnuts and the Canadian Identity." I also assure you that though Canadian politics may not always provide as "target rich" an environment as some other countries, we do have our moments. As a Canadian patriot, I just had to mention that last bit, eh?

In closing, I'll mention that MooseChat may not be for everyone because appreciation of both humour and satire is very subjective. Still, while there are other "silly chat" echoes, MooseChat does seem to have a unique flavour. I hope some of you will find it an amusing or witty place to hang out.

As for this FidoNews article; Perhaps it's ironic, but all I can say is... "Dammit Shatner! I'm an echo moderator, not a comedian."

Solution-oriented
or Problem-oriented?
by Bill Drake (1:153/151)
and Dallas Hinton (1:153/715)

The following philosophy is based on several years of experience by both authors. The article speaks for itself, but we think those who will protest most loudly against it are probably those about whom it was written.

In FidoNet, as in real life, there are two ways to deal with problems. We can focus on the problems, or we can focus on the solutions.

In the past, most FidoNet members have focused on solutions. Lately, many FidoNet members have been focusing on problems, thus wasting time and effort. We believe it's time for FidoNet to return to a solution-oriented focus.

Recently, a vocal group of grumblers has endlessly objected to any attempts at modernizing or improving the effectiveness of FidoNet's administration, and has endlessly objected to any changes in FidoNet's technical standards.

Some people in this world are "conflict junkies". These people don't want solutions, because solutions destroy their opportunities for fighting and stirring up trouble.

Real solutions involve compromise, understanding, and fair play -- not rhetoric, intolerance, or ignoring the rules when they happen to be personally inconvenient.

It's time for clearer heads in FidoNet to prevail, before there's nothing left of FidoNet but useless scrap. The conflict junkies must not be allowed to win by default.

We will continue ignoring the attempts of conflict junkies to destroy our hobby, and continue working happily with those who truly want solutions. We think it's better to bring FidoNet into the 21st Century than fight endlessly and end up mourning over FidoNet's grave.

Won't you join us, please?

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