From: Klas Strandberg <>
> In a fully "on topic" posting, I happened to use the word "Jap's" (about=
> Japanese industry standard!!) and got criticized here for offending "an
> ethnic group". (??)
> I understood the essence of the critics, but not at all the strength of i=
t
> and the aggression. What terrible had I done? I didn't feel any proportio=
n
> between the "sin" and the "punishment". I feel the same now, trying to pu=
t myself into Martyn's shoes (for example).
Instigated primarily by one person, I thought this was way out of place.
Unlike you, Martyn, as moderator has a lot of power for dealing with us.
He can toss us out if he wishes, or dictate what we can discuss. With
that power comes responsibility. A moderator who misuses his power can
destroy a group.
> "Sorry for being a beginner, taking your valuable time...." That is what =
it
> sounds like (almost) when a beginner asks a question here.
> What are we? Some elite society?
Many beginners write directly to me, they usually begin their letters in
the same sort of way. Why, I've never understood, as I like helping
beginners. I'll always make time to provide a suitable reply. I
certainly don't feel elite, more a incompetent fumbler.
> Nowadays, I carefully read my postings over and over again, trying to mak=
e
> sure that I only write what I mean, and nothing more. Or if I am prepared=
> to take a fight because it is worth it.
> Like now: Even if some people might get offended by what I write, this li=
st
> has to be protected from fear. That is number one priority, I think, and=
> that is why I write.
> Everybody must feel free to write, even if attitudes spill over between t=
he
> lines. It's a "good cause".
There are a number of nature recording subjects that I avoid, because I
know I'll just be hassled and little of value will occur. For the same
reason I'm not responding to beginners near as much as I used to. I
don't feel I can even list all the options for them here. This group's
level of scientific knowledge seems to be dropping, this is a problem
for me as I am a scientist. When I try to correct the science I often
get hassled now.
I dropped the group down to digest a while back. To slow my responses
and think more about them. I'm careful what I say too.
> I'm afraid Martyn has a point when he says that he has to remember where =
he
> is. I think that most non--US members of the list would just ignore "shoo=
t
> hunters" as a kind of human mental outburst in haste, so what? Martyn
> wouldn't shoot any hunters and I think that can be clearly understood.
This was exactly the reason for my objection. We, in the US have big
brother looking over our shoulder, weighing everything on the internet
for it's "terrorist content". They are also using that as cover for
their political and religious goals. Since 9/11 these folks have been
given power that Macarthy could only dream of in his witch hunts for
communists. Macarthy, with much less legal support ruined many lives.
I like Martyn, I consider him a good friend. I really don't want to see
him grabbed by those folks. They don't see what is just Martyn's way of
talking as a joke at all.
It's not just a risk to the folks saying these things. Macarthy would
ruin you simply because you had talked to someone he defined as
communist, or attended a meeting of a group on his hit list. Belonging
to a internet group is like attending a meeting.
I have my fingers crossed we won't have a full blown Macarthy era, but I
see the step being taken that lead there.
> So, please people - use your peaceful sides when you read postings here.=
> Also the reader has to show some responsibility, not only the writer.
And remember that folks who are not nature recordists and have entirely
different agenda's are watching and reading. Or at least their computers
scanning for key words and phrases.
> Here, most birds are silent now. The spring was strange, if there was any=
.
> Except for a few days, it has been cold and rainy. I have made a few
> recordings, though, which I hope to have time to put on my site later on.
I've been slowly working through the stuff I recorded on my trip.
There's a few interesting things. I'm a bit depressed about nature
recording right now, partially post trip reaction, but eventually I'll
put some things up if folks are interested.
Here we are into the summer pattern, often thunderstorms in the
afternoon and a mite warm. I had to regrade our driveway yesterday as
the heavy rains had carved on it. Birds and frogs are plenty active.
> The most interesting topic for now, for me - is the one about microphone=
> output voltage versus mic input amp self noise.
> Typical question: How high an output (V/Pa) must a microphone have to
> override the self noise of typical "Walkman-type" MD's or DAT's, if the=
> mic's self noise is 13 dbA??
>
> This is a question for naturesound recordists only. We are the only ones=
> who can strive for maximum gain, not being afraid of distortion caused by=
> blowing the trumpet into the mic. Therefore, I guess, this relationship
> between output voltage and recorder's noise has never been discussed
> seriously.
One of the things that's largely ignored, but which has something to do
with this is the match between the impedance of the mic and that of the
recorder's input. Some of the differences in why a mic works well with
one recorder and not another can be explained in this way.
> I still miss that "poetry-like" mission of once a year making 30 sec
> recordings from all over the world and post to some common web-site. "Bri=
ng
> the world together". Who brought it up last time? Where are you? Would be=
> nice to make it again.
It was last done for Sept. 1, 2001. I know because I was out in New
Mexico on my previous trip out west, and the morning included hard
frost. Standing out freezing and recording.
I would hope this time we might choose a better time of year. There is
much more calling in the spring. And last time it was a dawn recording,
which puts strong emphasis on certain groups of birds.
I recorded in the dawn several times on my recent trip. Some interesting
stuff. I also recorded in the middle of night.
Walt
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