My concern is that as ET moves to whatever the next model is decided upon, commentators on the periphery, such as myself, will become more marginalized.
I advocate the next iteration ET keep equality as a core value and promote the democratization of ideas. I see a risk toward elitism at the exclusion of unsolicited newcomers and commentators on the edge like myself.
This place is no more nor less than the aggregation of those who turn up. If you keep coming, all change will reflect you. keep to the Fen Causeway
I don't know how to express it without making anyone defensive, which I don't want to do, because I do feel that people have the very best intentions. Nor do I want to stand in the way of progress.
For my part, as an American, as someone without specialized fields of knowledge applicable to ET's projects and who largely prefers ET for its salon-type atmosphere (Magnifico's "the democratization of ideas") - I can't see a practical place for my contributions in the ideas which have been discussed. I also respect that ET has no obligations to accomodate any one of us.
Is the age of the blog dead? (rhetorical) "Pretending that you already know the answer when you don't is not actually very helpful." ~Migeru.
So, while I think we're not asking to be accommodated, I would still like to be included some how.
I simply don't believe that's the intention. I remain confident that they will not destroy the village in order to save it and so when all is said and done this place will be around much as we know it now.
Besides which, right now McCain is talking about being out of Iraq by 2013. Talk's easy. keep to the Fen Causeway
Perhaps my feelings of marginalization come from being on the Pacific coast of the U.S. and not in Europe. How would people fit in with the ET think tank concept, for example? With paid ET staff, would those positions be open to non-Europeans?
I think it's quality of input rather than geography or cultural background that matters. keep to the Fen Causeway
I wondered where she'd gone after leaving booman. keep to the Fen Causeway
There may be other associated projects that might be more exclusive, but the core blog isn't going anywhere.
I have the hope that we'll be able to, in addition find a way to turn its potential into something that is heard in the wider world - and heard as the collective voice(s) it is. In the long run, we're all dead. John Maynard Keynes
