Incidentally, this raises another point. It seems to me that there are
less
than 50 active correspondents on this list. however, David mentioned
recently that there were 150 subscribers. David, who on earth are all
these
people and could you offer a few generalised comments on why they are
interested in (unabbreviated) blow-by-blow chat about local bird
sightings?
Firstly, I am, like I believe many subscribers to this chat-list,
genuinely interested in becoming more aware of Canberra's birds, their
locations, behavioural habits, seasons etc. Listening in on
blow-by-blow chats from the more serious subscribers about local birds
over lunch at work is a very pleasant and easy way to gain this
insight. I have really enjoyed reading about the sightings that
others have made, thinking that each coming weekend I too could get
out there and spot some of my own.
Upon first visiting the website I was led to believe that, although
commendably serious in its motives, the COGroup is an amateur bird
appreciation society and as such would be open to new members who wish
to learn more about Canberra's birds.
It is not unreasonable, therefore, to assume that even though a new
subscriber might have heard of a Woodswallow before he or she might
have no idea as to what a "WBWS" might be (especially one who is also
new to appreciating ALL of the many birds Canberra is blessed with).
As for locations, I've lived in Canberra as an adult with a drivers
licence for 15 years but until I read this last email I would have had
no clue as to the meaning of "EOM" even if someone had suggested that
it was a locality south of the Lake.
I don't believe it is all that necessary to post email messages to the
chat-list with completely spelled-out names and places but the
suggestion of a COG Acronym List and FAQ posted on the website is an
excellent one but it should not be abridged because some folk believe
if you are a true Canberra bird-watcher you should automatically know
what a YTBC is.
I'm also a subscriber the the CBC* chat and tech lists and we make it
our goal to make sure newer and less experienced members are never put
off by in-house terms or by their apparent lack of knowledge.
anyhoo, this is just my two cents and not to be taken too seriously if
people have heard it all before :) - ps - I promise not to write
anything more on the subject...
Dan
* Canberra Brewer's Club - www.canberrabrewers.org
--
Daniel Rayner
School of Archaeology and Anthropology
Australian National University
Canberra 0200 ACT
Australia
mobile +61(0)411041951
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