being new to this listserv's

[Jim Damico]

Even though I'm fairly new to the GOCAMINO listserv, I've used other
listserv's for two previous adventures (Appalachian Trail & long-distance
cycling).  Sometimes I wish someone in the computer arena would put together
a general welcome manual for people new to this wondeful form of
communication.

For what it's worth, one thing that I've learned on other listerv's is that
"tempers flare" - it's just part of human nature.

In my years since I've begun to surf the world-wide-web, there have been a
few times that I sent an email too fast to calm down and really look at what
I was sending.  And with communication with a large group of people like
this listserv, that can have consequences.  My recommendation is if an email
brings out negative 'reply' reactions from you, what till the next day to
respond.  In a lot of cases you will find you are not alone in your first
response.  But after reading other 'negative' emails, you begin to see how
non-productive it is.  I have hope in my fellow human beings, and on this
listserv, I would doubly think so.  Have patience and the listserv usually
comes to it's senses.  I found this especially to be a problem in the dead
of winter (cabin fever?) and just before a major departure date (pre-trip
anxiety?).

On the very first listserve I was subscribed to (ATML), I was viciously
attacked in personal email from a member of the list.  I had naively
suggested to the listserv that if you passed a hiker struggling on the
Appalachian Trail you might offer to help them carry some of their gear, if
only a short while or to the next campsite.  I was so taken aback because of
the language and hate in those emails that I forwarded them on the person
who managed the listserv.  His suggestion was to "forgive and forget".  I
briefly unsubscribed but found that the benefits of the listserv far
outweighed the few malcontents.  With hindsight, I know I completed my AT
hike because of all the helpful information I found on that listserv.  I
even made a few lifelong friends.

I leave in a little over 6 weeks for Spain and I'm still not ready.  If I
post any panicked or stupid questions on the list in the coming weeks,
please forgive me. <smile>  Again, I'm thankful for the opportunity to
communicate both with those who have walked the Camino and those hoping to
do so.  Without the internet, this wouldn't be even remotely possible for
me.  Thanks for all the discussion, both good and bad.  At least I know that
I stand among those 'less than saintly' pilgrims. <grin>

See ya' on the Road....

Jim Damico of Kansas City, MO
www.WanderingTheWorld.com
hiking, biking & beyond...