[Blindtlk] Resolution that didn't pass about apple

Ray Foret Jr rforetjr at att.net
Thu Sep 8 19:20:26 UTC 2011


Well, windows screen readers as we know them now may well have to change given that windows 8 will not include any mirror driers.


Sincerely,
The Constantly Barefooted Ray!!!

Now a very proud and happy Mac user!!!

Skype name:
barefootedray

Facebook:
facebook.com/ray.foretjr.1



On Sep 8, 2011, at 9:21 AM, Steve Jacobson wrote:

> Dave,
> 
> As you know, I agree with you completely but have additional reservations about the future.  One of the problems within the Windows environment has 
> been that it is really pretty complex to get the information needed out of Windows.  One bit part of this process has been the off-screen model that I referred 
> to that creates within a screen reader a text model of what is on the screen and where it is located.  My feeling, to elaborate on yours, has always been that 
> I was uneasy having one screen reader with one way of doing things.  Over the years, there has been a number of cases where either Window-Eyes or 
> JFW was able to do something the other didn't do.  Added to that is the fact that I have trouble believing that if Microsoft was doing work on a screen 
> reader that they would work as hard getting it to work on a competing product.  Many of us in employment situations use products that compete with 
> Outlook, for example.
> 
> For better or worse, Apple has changed the game some.  In addition, it is my understanding that Windows 8 will no longer allow the hooks that are used to 
> create an off-screen model.  This does not mean screen readers are dead, but it means that the Windows world will resemble more closely the Apple world 
> where software will have to conform to tighter rules to be accessible.  It will be harder to script around obstacles in software.  This will further mean that 
> screen readers for Windows in the future will probably be easier to write and be cheaper, and Apple's pressure might very well cause Microsoft to include a 
> screen reader.  What this means for the commercial screen reader is hard to say, but they will probably concentrate on making software easier to use and 
> perhaps have a more reliable and less complicated screen reader in the long run.  As a result, we are going to be more dependent than we are now on 
> software developers to make their software accessible.  Software will tend more to be either accessible or not accessible with little middle ground and with a 
> lesser ability to compensate within our screen readers for inaccessible software.  I do not personally think this is a choice to be made but something that is 
> almost a certainty to happen.  The kinds of tools that might be available to enhance how we use software in the future is not completely clear, and there will 
> be some software that will likely work better.  Operating systems with screen readers should also be more stable.  However, we are going to need more help 
> than ever to get software developers to include accessibility in their software.  Forgetting whether these resolutions were the best way to go, it is extremely 
> important that Apple, who exercises so much control over applications that appear on its devices, do what it can to promote accessibility within software 
> development.  Please note that I am not saying they don't do this at all now, because I don't honestly know exactly what they do, but to some degree they 
> will be setting the example for the future.  Just as Microsoft may need to include a screen reader because of what Apple has done, there will be a tendency 
> for other companies to follow Apple's model for promoting accessibility as well.  If either apple or Microsoft adopts the model that I too often see in other 
> companies who shal remain nameless, that they provide the tools for accessibility for developers to use so their obligations are met even when those tools 
> are not used, I think we'll be in reall trouble in the future.  If we can continue increasing the awareness of accessibility and get help from companies such as 
> Apple and Microsoft to make accessibility easier to implement, our computing futures will actually have a chance to be brighter.
> 
> Best regards,
> 
> Steve Jacobson
> .  
> On Wed, 07 Sep 2011 20:38:44 -0500, David Andrews wrote:
> 
>> Joseph:
> 
>> This is different from the resolutions -- but I 
>> think there are some bad trends in assistive 
>> technology, and Apple is at the core of them.  I 
>> say this with mixed feelings.  They are to be 
>> commended for much of what they have done, they 
>> have shown that a touch screen UI could be made 
>> accessible.  On the other hand, their free 
>> product, voice over, will pressure Microsoft to 
>> offer a free screen reader too.  The word is that 
>> the next version of Windows with Narrator will be 
>> substantially beefed up.  Once there is a free 
>> screen reader from MS, many people will stop 
>> buying JAWS and the like.  It is unlikely that 
>> the free products will have all the stuff we need 
>> to make employment sites accessible.  Voiceover 
>> doesn't, it works or it doesn't.  I don't think 
>> any of us want to be dependent on our employment 
>> from what Microsoft or Apple do for free.
> 
>> Also, on the iDevices, inexpensive apps have 
>> become the norm.  So, people in the blind 
>> community want, and expect $2 and $5 apps 
>> too.  NO AT developer can make money selling 
>> stuff for $2, the market is just to small.
> 
>> I am afraid there are some unforeseen 
>> consequences to what Apple has and is doing.  And 
>> ... you want us to be grateful and kiss up to them.
> 
>> Dave
> 
>> \At 04:39 AM 9/6/2011, you wrote:
>>> Dave, I don't think it's unreasonable to be a 
>>> bit miffed under the circumstances.  So far the 
>>> NFB is 1 for 3 when it comes to recognizing the 
>>> effort they've put into creating accessibility 
>>> (and inventing new technology to do it pretty 
>>> much from scratch).  And the only reason the NFB 
>>> is even 1 for 3 is because the misrepresentation 
>>> of the capabilities and functions of VoiceOver 
>>> were so profound that EVERYBODY who'd ever 
>>> actually used it screamed foul. The NFB's track 
>>> record with Apple is pretty poor, so from their 
>>> perspective it's got to look like we're shooting 
>>> our mouths off once again, without the faintest 
>>> clue what we're talking about.  We've certainly 
>>> done so in the past. Which, in point of fact, WE 
>>> ARE. If Apple starts telling me that I cannot 
>>> have a certain kind of program, I'm going to 
>>> tell them to stick it and go write for 
>>> Android.  It's happened before.  Actually, it's 
>>> happened rather a lot.  The entire world is 
>>> clamoring for Apple to cut that crap out.  And 
>>> while their customers who give them money are 
>>> demanding they stop placing restrictions on 
>>> apps, the NFB is arguing the opposite.  And 
>>> trying to condemn them for not doing so without 
>>> being told. You can mince words all you like, 
>>> but the fact is that the NFB screwed the pooch 
>>> bigtime with these two resolutions.  We made 
>>> enemies of people who should be our 
>>> friends.  We've belittled the people who made 
>>> the touch screen accessible once too often, and 
>>> they are sick of it.  We've badmouthed the 
>>> people who made accessibility free, rather than 
>>> more than the cost of the computer you're 
>>> running it on once too often, and they resent 
>>> it.  We've made it clear that we are not willing 
>>> to work WITH them, only to dictate terms TO 
>>> them, and they think we can take a hike. Apple 
>>> accessibility does not NEED the NFB.  They're 
>>> doing a damned fine job without us, while we 
>>> have done little but baselessly snipe at them 
>>> from the sidelines.  They plan to continue to 
>>> improve the state of the art, including the 
>>> state of the art for accessibility.  If Peter is 
>>> a fair example of a Federationist, the NFB has 
>>> no desire to actually help them do it.  On the 
>>> contrary, we want to cost them developers, 
>>> customers, revenue, and all based on a 
>>> pie-in-the-sky notion that there should never be 
>>> any software we can't use. And dammit, if Adobe 
>>> can't make Photoshop accessible, then they 
>>> should be FORBIDDEN from releasing the program 
>>> on Apple devices! I think someone estimated that 
>>> 75% of Macs have Photoshop installed, by the 
>>> way. Joseph On Mon, Sep 05, 2011 at 02:30:38PM 
>>> -0500, David Andrews wrote: >Joseph, I think 
>>> things should have, and could have been 
>>> handled >differently, and better, but on the 
>>> other side, Apple needs to get a >thicker 
>>> skin.  The more successful they are, the more 
>>> they will be >criticized and questioned.  They 
>>> can't have it both ways.  They can't >make all 
>>> the decisions and not expect any push 
>>> back. > >Dave > >At 10:47 AM 9/5/2011, you 
>>> wrote: >>I know several Apple employees 
>>> personally.  I cannot really say >>more, because 
>>> Apple is a company full of 
>>> secrets.  ANY >>communication that does not 
>>> happen through official channels is >>subject to 
>>> employees losing their jobs.  (Add that to the 
>>> list of >>Apple as big brother.) There's no 
>>> chance that we're going to lose >>the 
>>> accessibility in Apple products, but the hostile 
>>> relationship >>Peter Donahue and others want the 
>>> NFB to have with Apple is now a >>fact of 
>>> life.  Apple will continue to work on 
>>> accessibility, but at >>least those I've talked 
>>> to don't have much love for the NFB 
>>> for >>undermining and belittling their hard 
>>> work.  IMO, that's exactly >>what we did. Joseph 
>>> On Sun, Sep 04, 2011 at 09:10:18AM -0500, 
>>> Ray >>Foret Jr wrote: >Say,  How do you know for 
>>> sure that the people at >>Apple are now 
>>> unwilling to work with us?  I fear we are 
>>> really >>going down the wrong road now.  My hope 
>>> is that this situation is >>not 
>>> irreparable.  What I intend to do with this is 
>>> write and open >>letter to Dr. Maurer about this 
>>> and include many of the points we >>discussed 
>>> here.  Look, it seems to me that we can choose 
>>> the more >>hostile relationship; in which case 
>>> we stand a chance of loosing >>what 
>>> accessibility to Apple we already have; or, we 
>>> can choose to >>try to repair what we can and 
>>> build a positive relationship and get >>working 
>>> together on this.  IF we let Anger be the 
>>> driving force >>behind what we do, we will 
>>> destroy all the good work we've done 
>>> so >>far.  I see us changing; and, frankly, I do 
>>> not like it.  It seems >>to me that we're 
>>> running the risk of loosing something 
>>> very >>valuable as an organization.  I'm afraid 
>>> that if we keep this up, >>we'll have happen to 
>>> us what Dr. Jernigan warned us about in 
>>> his >>banquet speech in 1997. > >What are we 
>>> becoming when we let this >>happen to 
>>> us? > > >Sincerely, >The Constantly Barefooted 
>>> Ray!!! > >>>Now a very proud and happy Mac 
>>> user!!! > >Skype 
>>> name: >>>barefootedray > >Facebook: >facebook.com 
>>> /r ay.foretjr.1 > > > >On >>Sep 4, 2011, at 8:00 
>>> AM, T. Joseph Carter wrote: > >> I can 
>>> tell >>you that people in Apple's accessibility 
>>> department have reacted >>negatively enough to 
>>> BOTH of the resolutions that they are not 
>>> the >>least bit inclined to work with us in the 
>>> future. >> >> I believe >>the exact words, at 
>>> least those I'm willing to quote here on 
>>> the >>mailing list, were that the NFB can go to 
>>> hell.  I won't say where >>this individual said 
>>> we could stick our 
>>> resolutions. >> >> >>Corporate policy remains 
>>> 100% accessibility, but we have 
>>> alienated >>Apple who is trying to do the right 
>>> thing while we suck up to >>Google for their 
>>> continued bad behavior. >> >> The resolutions 
>>> were >>both seen at Apple, and they've already 
>>> had an impact on Apple's >>willingness to work 
>>> with us to further improve 
>>> accessibility.  Just >>Â& not the impact anyone 
>>> but Freedom Scientific was  hoping for. >> >>>> 
>>> But Apple is evil, so it doesn't matter.  And 
>>> Google is awesome, >>so who cares if they do 
>>> anything 
>>> accessibly?  Right? 
>>> Right? >> >> >>Joseph >> >> >> On Sat, Sep 03, 
>>> 2011 at 06:17:46PM -0500, Ray Foret >>Jr 
>>> wrote: >>> But, Peter, I ask you.  Would you be 
>>> forever in a war >>camp mode?  Just think of the 
>>> resolution concerning Google and the >>ones 
>>> concerning Apple.  Why the disparity?  A fair 
>>> question I >>think. >>> >>> >>> Sincerely, >>> 
>>> The Constantly Barefooted Ray!!! >>>>> >>> Now a 
>>> very proud and happy Mac user!!! >>> >>> Skype 
>>> name: >>>>> barefootedray >>> >>> Facebook: >>> 
>>> facebook.com/ray.foretjr.1 >>>>> >>> >>> >>> On 
>>> Sep 3, 2011, at 3:48 PM, Peter Donahue 
>>> wrote: >>>>> >>>> Hello Ray and 
>>> everyone, >>>> >>>> The wording was fine. >>It's 
>>> the "Let's be grateful" attitude that makes 
>>> folks >>>> feel >>otherwise. >>>> >>>> Peter 
>>> Donahue >>>> >>>> >>>> ----- Original >>Message 
>>> ----- >>>> From: "Ray Foret Jr" 
>>> <rforetjr at att.net> >>>> To: >>"Blind Talk 
>>> Mailing List" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org> >>>> 
>>> Sent: >>Saturday, September 03, 2011 3:23 
>>> PM >>>> Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] >>Resolution 
>>> that didn't pass about apple >>>> >>>> >>>> Not 
>>> with me >>Peter.  We need to strongly encourage 
>>> people, not bitch at them. >>>>>> We need to 
>>> change the wording of the resolution so that it 
>>> has >>the desired >>>> effect without being 
>>> bitchy about it.  There are >>times we need to 
>>> use a >>>> hammer, and other times, a feather 
>>> will >>do just as well.  So, we commend >>>> 
>>> Google for trying to be >>accessible but bitch 
>>> at Apple even though they are >>>> 
>>> more >>accessible than Google?  Tell me, is it 
>>> because Google paid us >>money, >>>> (being a 
>>> sponsor of our convention) and Apple 
>>> didn't?  >>What kind of outfit >>>> are we when 
>>> we stoop to that level? >>>> >>>>>> Sorry for 
>>> the language, but, that's the way it 
>>> is. >>>> >>>> >>>>>> Sincerely, >>>> The 
>>> Constantly Barefooted Ray!!! >>>> >>>> Now >>a 
>>> very proud and happy Mac user!!! >>>> >>>> Skype 
>>> name: >>>> >>barefootedray >>>> >>>> 
>>> Facebook: >>>> 
>>> facebook.com/ray.foretjr.1 >>>>>> >>>> >>>> >>>> 
>>> On Sep 3, 2011, at 2:58 PM, Peter 
>>> Donahue >>wrote: >>>> >>>>> Hello Cheryl and 
>>> everyone, >>>>> >>>>>  The >>wording was fine 
>>> with me. >>>>> >>>>> Peter 
>>> Donahue >>>>> >>>>> >>----- Original Message 
>>> ----- >>>>> From: "cheryl 
>>> echevarria" >><cherylandmaxx at hotmail.com> >>>>> 
>>> To: "Blind Talk Mailing 
>>> List" >><blindtlk at nfbnet.org> >>>>> Sent: 
>>> Saturday, September 03, 2011 >>12:25 PM >>>>> 
>>> Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] Resolution that didn't 
>>> pass >>about apple >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> The issue 
>>> was the wording of the >>Resolution, if I 
>>> remember correctly, that >>>>> it was to 
>>> harsh, >>and for it to pass that we all had to 
>>> agree on the >>>>> wording. >>>>>>> >>>>> it has 
>>> nothing to do with the Resolution as a 
>>> whole, >>but the wording of >>>>> the >>>>> 
>>> resolution couldn't be passed, >>it can be 
>>> brought to the floor of >>>>> convention >>>>> 
>>> next year, >>to be voted on 
>>> again >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> Leading the Way 
>>> in >>Independent Travel! >>>>> >>>>> Cheryl 
>>> Echevarria >>>>> >>http://www.echevarriatravel.co 
>>> m >>>>> 
>>> 631-456-5394 >>>>> >>reservations at echevarriatrave 
>>> l.com >>>>> >>>>> Affiliated as an >>Independent 
>>> Contractor with Superior Travel, located 
>>> in >>>>> >>Baldwin, NY. 
>>> www.superiortravel.com >>>>> >>>>> Affiliated as 
>>> an >>Independent Contractor with Absolute Cruise 
>>> & Travel, >>>>> Inc. >>>>>>> >>>>> >>>>> ----- 
>>> Original Message ----- >>>>> From: 
>>> "cheryl >>echevarria" 
>>> <cherylandmaxx at hotmail.com> >>>>> To: "Blind 
>>> Talk >>Mailing List" <blindtlk at nfbnet.org> >>>>> 
>>> Sent: Saturday, September >>03, 2011 12:58 
>>> PM >>>>> Subject: [Blindtlk] Resolution that 
>>> didn't >>pass about apple >>>>> >>>>> >>>>>> 
>>> Well maybe people on this list >>that voted 
>>> against it elaborate as to why >>>>>> they voted 
>>> against >>it. >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> Leading the 
>>> Way in Independent Travel! >>>>>>>> >>>>>> 
>>> Cheryl 
>>> Echevarria >>>>>> >>http://www.echevarriatravel.c 
>>> om >>>>>> 
>>> 631-456-5394 >>>>>> >>reservations at echevarriatrav 
>>> el.com >>>>>> >>>>>> Affiliated as 
>>> an >>Independent Contractor with Superior 
>>> Travel, located in >>>>>> >>Baldwin, NY. 
>>> www.superiortravel.com >>>>>> >>>>>> Affiliated 
>>> as an >>Independent Contractor with Absolute 
>>> Cruise & Travel, >>>>>> 
>>> Inc. >>>>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> ----- Original 
>>> Message ----- >>>>>> From: "Ray >>Foret Jr" 
>>> <rforetjr at att.net> >>>>>> To: "Blind Talk 
>>> Mailing List" >><blindtlk at nfbnet.org> >>>>>> 
>>> Sent: Friday, September 02, 2011 
>>> 4:56 >>PM >>>>>> Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] [Bulk] 
>>> Re: a great article >>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>> Ah 
>>> yes, I have a recording of the stream of 
>>> that >>particular days' >>>>>>> events. I must 
>>> say, that was quite 
>>> an >>episode. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> 
>>> Sincerely, >>>>>>> The Constantly >>Barefooted 
>>> Ray!!! >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Now a very proud and 
>>> happy Mac >>user!!! >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Skype 
>>> name: >>>>>>> barefootedray >>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> 
>>> Facebook: >>>>>>> 
>>> facebook.com/ray.foretjr.1 >>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>> 
>>>>>>>>>>>>> On Sep 2, 2011, at 3:31 PM, Marsha 
>>> Drenth >>wrote: >>>>>>> >>>>>>>> An example of 
>>> not all of us following like >>zombies, at the 
>>> national >>>>>>>> convention. A resolution 
>>> about >>apple. Don't quite remember the >>>>>>>> 
>>> wordage, but >>>>>>>> it >>did not pass. More 
>>> than half of the floor voted against it. If 
>>> you >>>>>>>>>> were >>>>>>>> at the convention 
>>> you would know what I am >>talking 
>>> about. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> I was one of the many 
>>> who voted >>against the resolution. I didn't 
>>> think >>>>>>>> it >>>>>>>> was >>fair, and not 
>>> something the NFB needed to make an resolution 
>>> for. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Others are welcome to 
>>> chime in 
>>> here... >>>>>>>> >>Marsha >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>> 
>>>>>> -----Original Message----- >>>>>>>>>> From: 
>>> blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org >>[mailto:blindtlk-bo 
>>> unces at nfbnet.org] >>>>>>>> On >>>>>>>> Behalf 
>>> Of >>Bryan Schulz >>>>>>>> Sent: Thursday, 
>>> September 01, 2011 10:19 PM >>>>>>>>>> To: Blind 
>>> Talk Mailing List >>>>>>>> Subject: 
>>> Re: >>[Blindtlk] a great 
>>> article >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> 
>>> hi, >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>no point in rehashing 
>>> the lost funds as they have been forgiven 
>>> in >>the >>>>>>>> midwest. >>>>>>>> i was the 
>>> only one to push the issue >>and was blasted for 
>>> it. it's >>>>>>>> things >>>>>>>> like 
>>> that >>which make the nfb taste 
>>> bitter. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Not all of us >>just 
>>> follow in line like zombies. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> 
>>> I'd like to see >>more examples of 
>>> that. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Bryan 
>>> Schulz >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> ----- Original 
>>> Message ----- >>>>>>>> From: "Marsha >>Drenth" 
>>> <marsha.drenth at gmail.com> >>>>>>>> To: "'Blind 
>>> Talk Mailing >>List'" 
>>> <blindtlk at nfbnet.org> >>>>>>>> Sent: Thursday, 
>>> September 01, >>2011 8:14 PM >>>>>>>> Subject: 
>>> Re: [Blindtlk] a great 
>>> article >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> This 
>>> thread is very tiring, very >>frustrating and 
>>> gets us no where. So >>>>>>>>> if >>>>>>>>> 
>>> us >>>>>>>>>>> NFB members never ask the tough 
>>> questions, and look the >>other way. >>>>>>>>> 
>>> What >>>>>>>>> was >>>>>>>>> the 
>>> illegal >>behavior your speaking of? I am pretty 
>>> sure if there was >>>>>>>>> >>any >>>>>>>>> 
>>> illegal behavior, we just as much any other 
>>> person >>would ask the >>>>>>>>> 
>>> "tough" >>>>>>>>> questions. Not all of 
>>> us >>just follow in line like 
>>> zombies. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> If your 
>>> so >>anti-NFB, why do you hang out here. Your 
>>> welcome to leave >>>>>>>>> >>any >>>>>>>>> time. 
>>> We would rather you go away. So our list can 
>>> go >>back to being >>>>>>>>> constructive and 
>>> productive. Oh wait that >>is right, we are all 
>>> lyres, >>>>>>>>> we >>>>>>>>> allow 
>>> illegal >>behavior, and follow like zombies. You 
>>> can think what >>>>>>>>> you >>>>>>>>>>> want. 
>>> But this skirting around subjects does nothing. 
>>> We >>are not >>>>>>>>> going to >>>>>>>>> change 
>>> our minds about what 
>>> we >>think. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> 
>>> Marsha >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> 
>>> -----Original Message----- >>>>>>>>> 
>>> From: >>blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org >>>>>>>>> >>[ 
>>> mailto:blindtlk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On >>>>>>>>> 
>>> Behalf Of Bryan >>Schulz >>>>>>>>> Sent: 
>>> Thursday, September 01, 2011 7:07 PM >>>>>>>>>>> 
>>> To: Blind Talk Mailing List >>>>>>>>> Subject: 
>>> Re: >>[Blindtlk] a great 
>>> article >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> 
>>> hi, >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> no, i'm not accusing 
>>> anyone, the event already happened. >>>>>>>>>>> 
>>> the point is don't ask tough questions unless 
>>> you have >>thick skin. >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> Bryan 
>>> Schulz >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>> >>----- Original 
>>> Message ----- >>>>>>>>> From: "T. Joseph 
>>> Carter" >><carter.tjoseph at gmail.com> >>>>>>>>> 
>>> To: "Blind Talk Mailing 
>>> List" >><blindtlk at nfbnet.org> >>>>>>>>> Sent: 
>>> Thursday, September 01, 2011 >>5:49 PM >>>>>>>>> 
>>> Subject: Re: [Blindtlk] a great 
>>> article >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> I see, 
>>> my mistake. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> You >>aren't 
>>> taking pot shots at the ACB without facts to 
>>> back it up. >>>>>>>>>>>> You >>>>>>>>>> are 
>>> taking pot shots at the NFB 
>>> without >>facts. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> It takes 
>>> a lot of guts to come into an >>organization and 
>>> start >>>>>>>>>> accusing >>>>>>>>>> 
>>> its >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> members of vaguely 
>>> illegal activities without offering >>any 
>>> specifics >>>>>>>>>> or >>>>>>>>>> 
>>> evidence.  But I'm sure >>doing so will get you 
>>> all the consideration >>>>>>>>>> 
>>> you're >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> 
>>> due. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> And with that, 
>>> I >>think I'm about finished with the 
>>> discussion. >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >>Joseph - 
>>> KF7QZC >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> On Thu, 
>>> Sep 01, >>2011 at 05:36:54PM -0500, Bryan Schulz 
>>> wrote: >>>>>>>>>>> hi, >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> 
>>> no, i'm not talking about the acb but 
>>> the >>point still 
>>> applies. >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> Bryan 
>>> Schulz >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> ----- Original 
>>> Message ----- From: "T. >>Joseph 
>>> Carter" >>>>>>>>>>> 
>>> <carter.tjoseph at gmail.com> >>>>>>>>>>> >>To: 
>>> "Blind Talk Mailing List" 
>>> <blindtlk at nfbnet.org> >>>>>>>>>>> >>Sent: 
>>> Thursday, September 01, 2011 5:09 PM >>>>>>>>>>> 
>>> Subject: Re: >>[Blindtlk] a great 
>>> article >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> 
>>> I >>suggest if that helps you maximize your 
>>> involvement with and >>>>>>>>>>>>>> 
>>> benefit >>>>>>>>>>>> from an organization, you 
>>> find >>another 
>>> organization. >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> Perhaps 
>>> though, we >>don't want to go down this road, or 
>>> at least >>>>>>>>>>>> not in >>>>>>>>>>>>>> this 
>>> fashion.  The ACB has in the past allowed 
>>> its >>members to make >>>>>>>>>>>> baseless, 
>>> unsupported, and uncontested >>claims of illegal 
>>> behavior >>>>>>>>>>>> by the >>>>>>>>>>>> 
>>> NFB.  >>It was rather off-putting, and I'd have 
>>> thought so even if I >>>>>>>>>>>>>> 
>>> were >>>>>>>>>>>> not a Federationist!  Indeed, 
>>> it >>seems always to be so, in any >>>>>>>>>>>> 
>>> organization, whether or >>not I have any 
>>> affiliation with 
>>> anybody. >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> >>If there's 
>>> something new and recent that needs to be 
>>> discussed >>>>>>>>>>>>>> regarding >>>>>>>>>>>> 
>>> the ACB, we should probably do >>it, but in a 
>>> new thread with the >>>>>>>>>>>> 
>>> relevant >>>>>>>>>>>> >>details.  If it's a 
>>> rehash of old wrongdoings by former 
>>> officers, >>>>>>>>>>>>>> I >>>>>>>>>>>> 
>>> don't >>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> know how >>useful 
>>> it would be to debate today.  It's like 
>>> discussing >>>>>>>>>>>>>> a >>>>>>>>>>>> 
>>> questionable action taken by Janet Reno >>while 
>>> she worked for Bill >>>>>>>>>>>> Clinton. Anyone 
>>> personally >>affected would find it relevant, 
>>> but >>>>>>>>>>>> society >>>>>>>>>>>>>> as a 
>>> whole wouldn't be interested 
>>> today. >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>> Sometimes the 
>>> bad guys get away with it.  Usually when >>the 
>>> good >>>>>>>>>>>> guys >>>>>>>>>>>> don't stand 
>>> up to them >>until its too late.  But that takes 
>>> me off >>>>>>>>>>>> on my >>>>>>>>>>>>>> own 
>>> tangent. >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> Joseph - 
>>> KF7QZC >>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>> 
>>> On Thu, Sep 01, 2011 at >>03:53:02PM -0500, 
>>> Bryan Schulz wrote: >>>>>>>>>>>>> 
>>> hi, >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> there should 
>>> be at least one more. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> #16. Don't 
>>> ask tough questions even when a member >>does 
>>> something >>>>>>>>>>>>> questionable and 
>>> probably illegal. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>> 
>>> Bryan Schulz >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> ----- 
>>> Original Message ----- From: "Chris 
>>> Nusbaum" >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 
>>> <dotkid.nusbaum at gmail.com> >>>>>>>>>>>>> To: 
>>> "NABS >>list" <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>; "Blind Talk 
>>> list" >>>>>>>>>>>>> >><blindtlk at nfbnet.org>; 
>>> "Gary Legates" 
>>> <gary.legates at comcast.net> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Sent: 
>>> Thursday, September 01, 2011 3:02 
>>> PM >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Subject: [Blindtlk] a great 
>>> article >>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>> 
>>>>>> Hi 
>>> everyone, >>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> As I 
>>> try to learn more about both organizations, 
>>> I >>have >>>>>>>>>>>>>> subscribed 
>>> to >>>>>>>>>>>>>> both the Braille >>Monitor and 
>>> the Braille Forum.  The Monitor, 
>>> as >>>>>>>>>>>>>> you >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> know, is 
>>> the Federation (NFB's)  publication and 
>>> the >>Forum is >>>>>>>>>>>>>> the >>>>>>>>>>>>>> 
>>> Council (or ACB's) >>publication.  I found a 
>>> great article in >>>>>>>>>>>>>> 
>>> July's >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Forum entitled "Fifteen 
>>> Ways to Maximize your 
>>> ACB >>Membership," >>>>>>>>>>>>>> 
>>> giving >>>>>>>>>>>>>> fifteen tips on >>how to 
>>> take advantage of all ACB (or 
>>> any >>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>organization, >>>>>>>>>>>>>> 
>>> for that matter) has to offer.  I >>think this 
>>> could also apply to >>>>>>>>>>>>>> 
>>> the >>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>Federation and to NABS or 
>>> any other special-interest 
>>> division, >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> and is >>>>>>>>>>>>>> 
>>> some good advice.  To be >>accurate, I added "or 
>>> NFB" in >>>>>>>>>>>>>> parentheses 
>>> to >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> some parts of the 
>>> article.  I have pasted the >>article 
>>> below. >>>>>>>>>>>>>> Any >>>>>>>>>>>>>> 
>>> thoughts on this? >>I promise I'm not trying to 
>>> force the ACB down >>>>>>>>>>>>>> 
>>> your >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> throats; in fact, I'm a 
>>> Federationist in nature, but >>want 
>>> to >>>>>>>>>>>>>> learn >>>>>>>>>>>>>> about 
>>> both.  Here is >>the 
>>> article. >>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>> 15 WAYS 
>>> TO MAXIMIZE YOUR >>ACB (or NFB) 
>>> MEMBERSHIP >>>>>>>>>>>>>> by Kenneth Semien 
>>> Sr. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> All too often, people join 
>>> organizations without >>taking >>>>>>>>>>>>>> 
>>> advantage of the opportunity to truly 
>>> know >>intricate details of >>>>>>>>>>>>>> 
>>> its >>>>>>>>>>>>>> purpose, >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 
>>> mission, and operating practices.  This can 
>>> very >>well result in >>>>>>>>>>>>>> a 
>>> lack >>>>>>>>>>>>>> of >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 
>>> participation and could ultimately result in 
>>> a >>decision to >>>>>>>>>>>>>> 
>>> forfeit >>>>>>>>>>>>>> what >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 
>>> could have been the ideal vehicle to enhance 
>>> your >>life, build >>>>>>>>>>>>>> 
>>> great >>>>>>>>>>>>>> relationships 
>>> and >>effectively share personal skills 
>>> and >>>>>>>>>>>>>> abilities 
>>> that >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> can >>>>>>>>>>>>>> make an 
>>> enormous difference.  In >>an effort to 
>>> encourage you to >>>>>>>>>>>>>> 
>>> explore >>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>the >>>>>>>>>>>>>> 
>>> meaningful efforts of ACB, I have included 
>>> the >>tips listed below >>>>>>>>>>>>>> 
>>> to >>>>>>>>>>>>>> assist >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> you in 
>>> being all you can be and help you join 
>>> with >>others whose >>>>>>>>>>>>>> 
>>> skills >>>>>>>>>>>>>> complement 
>>> yours. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 1.  Be inquisitive and 
>>> don't hesitate to 
>>> ask >>questions. >>>>>>>>>>>>>> 2.  Become 
>>> familiar with the history, >>mission, and 
>>> purpose by >>>>>>>>>>>>>> reviewing it often 
>>> enough to >>be able to repeat it to 
>>> others.  In >>>>>>>>>>>>>> turn >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 
>>> someone may realize that this is the 
>>> organization >>they have been >>>>>>>>>>>>>> 
>>> looking >>>>>>>>>>>>>> for. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 
>>> 3.  Make a personal commitment to identify ways 
>>> to >>get involved. >>>>>>>>>>>>>> 4.  Find out 
>>> who the officers are and >>become acquainted 
>>> with >>>>>>>>>>>>>> them and their roles 
>>> and >>responsibilities, as well as 
>>> members >>>>>>>>>>>>>> you >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 
>>> observe >>>>>>>>>>>>>> actively participating 
>>> in >>events and projects associated 
>>> with >>>>>>>>>>>>>> our >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 
>>> organization. >>>>>>>>>>>>>> 5.  Make your 
>>> skills >>and abilities known to leaders of 
>>> your >>>>>>>>>>>>>> chapter, >>affiliate, or the 
>>> president of our organization. >>>>>>>>>>>>>> 
>>> 6.  >>Make every effort to participate in 
>>> chapter, state affiliate >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> and 
>>> national meetings, seminars, conferences 
>>> and >>conventions. >>>>>>>>>>>>>> 7.  Inquire 
>>> about available committees >>you may be able to 
>>> serve >>>>>>>>>>>>>> on to assist 
>>> the >>organization in achieving its goals 
>>> and >>>>>>>>>>>>>> objectives. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 
>>> Seek >>>>>>>>>>>>>> to join committees that 
>>> allow >>you to utilize your skills 
>>> and >>>>>>>>>>>>>> abilities >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 
>>> in >>>>>>>>>>>>>> the most effective and 
>>> efficient >>manner. >>>>>>>>>>>>>> 8.  If you 
>>> have access to the Internet, sign >>up for 
>>> up-to-date >>>>>>>>>>>>>> news and announcements 
>>> from all >>levels of our 
>>> organization.  Ask >>>>>>>>>>>>>> 
>>> a >>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>president >>>>>>>>>>>>>> or 
>>> member to tell you how to take >>advantage of 
>>> this option. >>>>>>>>>>>>>> 9.  Listen to or 
>>> read >>publications/newsletters distributed 
>>> by >>>>>>>>>>>>>> our >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 
>>> organization on all levels.  This is one of the 
>>> best >>ways to >>>>>>>>>>>>>> 
>>> learn >>>>>>>>>>>>>> 
>>> about >>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>useful resources, access 
>>> inspirational stories, 
>>> scholarships, >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 
>>> awards, >>>>>>>>>>>>>> and >>>>>>>>>>>>>> 
>>> upcoming >>projects and events. >>>>>>>>>>>>>> 
>>> 10.  Identify special-interest >>groups that 
>>> meet your personal >>>>>>>>>>>>>> needs.  These 
>>> groups >>provide you the opportunity to network 
>>> with >>>>>>>>>>>>>> others >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 
>>> sharing common interests, such as your prior 
>>> or >>current >>>>>>>>>>>>>> 
>>> occupation, >>>>>>>>>>>>>> 
>>> hobbies, >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> health concerns and so 
>>> much more. >>>>>>>>>>>>>> 11.  >>Obtain your own 
>>> copy of the constitution and bylaws 
>>> to >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> learn >>>>>>>>>>>>>> of the 
>>> agreed-upon operating >>practices and procedures 
>>> of our >>>>>>>>>>>>>> 
>>> organization. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 12.  Prepare for 
>>> future involvement as an officer 
>>> by >>becoming >>>>>>>>>>>>>> familiar with 
>>> officer titles and duties. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 
>>> 13.  Participate in conference calls to build 
>>> your >>knowledge, >>>>>>>>>>>>>> such as 
>>> membership focus calls, periodic >>Office Hours 
>>> conference >>>>>>>>>>>>>> calls >>>>>>>>>>>>>> 
>>> with >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> the ACB president, 
>>> committee calls, and >>special-interest 
>>> group >>>>>>>>>>>>>> calls. >>>>>>>>>>>>>> 
>>> 14.  >>Explore the web sites of your chapter, 
>>> state affiliate and >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> our 
>>> national organization.  You may 
>>> locate >>information on the >>>>>>>>>>>>>> web 
>>> site >>>>>>>>>>>>>> that >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> you 
>>> didn't think of inquiring 
>>> about. >>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>15.  Pay your annual 
>>> dues faithfully and encourage others to 
>>> do >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> the same. >>>>>>>>>>>>>> The 
>>> more you know and the >>more you become 
>>> involved, the more you >>>>>>>>>>>>>> will begin 
>>> to >>know that you have joined a 
>>> phenomenal >>>>>>>>>>>>>> 
>>> organization >>that >>>>>>>>>>>>>> 
>>> is >>>>>>>>>>>>>> continuing to grow.  Have 
>>> a >>great ACB (or NFB) 
>>> adventure! >>>>>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>>>>>> Chris >>Nusbaum >>>>>>>>>>>>>>
> 
> 
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> 
> 
> 
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