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In a message dated 10/10/04 3:51:55 PM, soulmotherof5@... writes:

<< I've had this experience as well, and I don't disagree. However, in my
personal life I've begun to wonder if this doesn't add up to eletism in some
ways. I know that sometimes newcomers come along who are great, naturals at the
subject at hand. >>

If they're really good, they move to the front of the line and people listen
to their ideas.

With the combo of consensus and cult of personality (kind of), if the people
who have earned status in the group by their own work and usefulness think the
newcomer has a good idea, that's double points for the newcomer.

But if someone new had to earn the respect of over 50% of individuals in the
group to even be heard, that wouldn't be as clear and good for me (for my
tastes) as being immediately useful (by having a usefully good idea) is.

If someone comes here with a great suggestion and posts it, it's great the
moment someone reads it and thinks "Wow! That will make my life better!"

Here we don't even need consensus. It's a big potluck, and if I put down
brownies with cashews, anyone who picks one up and eats it has GOT IT!

If someone comes to our potluck just to put a turd in the lemonade, lots of
people will object. That's not useful.

Me: -=-With consensus, only good ideas are even heard, and a great idea just
jumps up and moves people.>>

Arielle: -=-I've had this experience as well, and I don't disagree. However,
in my personal life I've begun to wonder if this doesn't add up to eletism in
some ways.-=-

Elitism in what way?

"Elitism" meaning what, in either that sample context or in the context of a
list like this?


Sandra