[Blindtlk] Resolution that didn't pass about apple

Steve Jacobson steve.jacobson at visi.com
Thu Sep 8 20:49:41 UTC 2011


Ray,

That is how I see it, and the Windows environment will look more like Apple's.  There will be good in it and there will be challenges.

Best regards,

Steve Jacobson

On Thu, 8 Sep 2011 14:20:26 -0500, Ray Foret Jr wrote:

>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 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>> 
>> 
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> blindtlk mailing list
>>> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
>>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindtlk:
>>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/steve.jacobson%40visi.com
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> _______________________________________________
>> blindtlk mailing list
>> blindtlk at nfbnet.org
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
>> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindtlk:
>> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/rforetjr%40att.net

>_______________________________________________
>blindtlk mailing list
>blindtlk at nfbnet.org
>http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/blindtlk_nfbnet.org
>To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for blindtlk:
>http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/blindtlk_nfbnet.org/steve.jacobson%40visi.com








More information about the BlindTlk mailing list