New and inexperienced birdwatchers [SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]

Firstly, I remind all subscribers of
the message provided by our good President on Friday 2 October 2009 (available
at: http://bioacoustics.cse.unsw.edu.au/archives/html/canberrabirds/2009-10/msg00023.html).

Finally, I state that there aren't any
"idiots" who post to this line.

Kind regards

Matthew Frawley

From:	"Mark Clayton" <>
To:	"'canberra birds'" <>
Date:	16/10/2009 12:00 PM
Subject:	[canberrabirds] New and inexperienced birdwatchers

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Good morning all,
 
Judging from the numerous replies I have
received to my email yesterday concerning rude and arrogant replies to
beginners queries to aspects of birding on the chatline, it appears I have
hit on a very important topic. Most people replied that they were afraid
to put anything on the chatline for fear of ridicule and every
email supported what I was saying. Remember, we all had to start somewhere,
and no doubt we all made mistakes with identifications; I know I did and
way back then there were not too many people around to help me. In this
technological age it is all too easy for someone to sound like an expert
when they are not. All I am asking is that people engage their brain before
answering queries. It isn’t that hard is it?
 
As for those of you who a concerned about
asking questions, there ARE people in COG who can give you a courteous
answer so don’t be put off by the idiots. You will soon learn who to trust
and who to ignore. You can always do what many members have done – put
a filter on the names of those “experts” who annoy you. If you can’t
get satisfaction from the chat line or feel intimidated, I am always available
to help out as are most of the members of “my” bird banding crew – Anthony,
Harvey, Richard, Stuart etc or other members like Steve Holliday. I won’t
guarantee we can answer everything but at least you will be treated courteously.

 
If you do feel sufficiently upset by someone’s
manner on the list you can always complain to the chat line co-ordinator,
David McDonald.
 
Mark
 
PS rather than sending any replies directly
to me, I suggest that a reply to the chatline will highlight people’s
concerns in this matter. Thanks.

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