Ol' WDB's Column

Disheartening
wdbonner@pacbell.net

Disharmony continues to rage rampant in some of the echoes. I fear dear readers, that the foundation fidonet was constructed upon is in jeopardy. Some of the most experienced sysops, the ones that were the wheels and cogs, the ones that moved the fidonet nodes to join, work and learn with each other; are now battling each other in the echoes. No one wants to appear civil, polite or gracious in word or tone. This hatred is a far worse disease than malingering and malaise for it destroys the spirit, the fuel the heart of fidonet runs on. If our most experienced sysops fight each other to a point that no one participates for fear of assassination... then malaise will finish Fido.

Why can't the great egos lock step with each other and solve problems rather than exploit them to weaken those they perceive to be adversaries? I note that some post as though they are campaigning and their opponents are contenders for the same office and must be covered with mud.

Where is the Fidonet of the eighties and early nineties? Back then a node could ask a question and have almost instant help, now that same node would be berated for ignorance, (especially if they wanted clarification on Policy 4.07 as a remedy), by the pontifical prognosticators of "evil electioneering" and total disobedience to Policy 4's guidelines except where convenient to them.

Many more nodes would be willing to post and participate were it not so dangerous to them personally. It is just easier to stay in the shadows and watch the wheels knock each other off. I for one would like to see some good things said for the *C's. I think verbally tearing down the structure that made Fidonet one of the first and largest independent networks in the world, is wrong. I think belittling those who have given their time and many cases their money, to build Fidonet, deserve some word of praise rather than demeaning comments. The Zones should be helping and complementing each other rather than: "I am smarter and bigger than you".

I do hope this writing will encourage those "silent souls" to rise to the occasion and help bring Fidonet back on track 1988 where I found her to be anxious, willing to be helpful, and intensely cooperative. Not one, but three sysops were there to pick me up everytime I fell down... which was everytime Wildcat sneezed... <G> Finally friend Joe "skinned that cat" after several cat deaths and set up "Remote Access", I think to get some free time for his own BBS.... heeheh. I am not a technical programmer, I am a writer that loves to find good friends in Fido and enjoy the camaraderie with out the cactus. Different points of view can be presented with out the words "Idiot" and "$#@!" or "ass%#*e". We are civilized... No? JMHO

Ol'wdb