[stylist] writer or write not

[EvaMarie Sanchez]

Earlier Jackie posted her feelings after receiving a letter saying she was
being removed from the list serve. Sure it was not real and nothing to
worry about, but how would she have known that? More important, it does not
matter. Negativity upsets people. That is human nature. And because of this
email, a special lady, a friend to many was upset.
Did it stop there though? No, not at all. There were numberous responses to
her trying to find solutions, trying to reasure her and wanting justice for
the act that caused the pain. So I ask, why did so many of us quickly
respond?
The answer comes in the manner of which this list serve opperates. It is a
list serve for writers about writing, but we also tend to discuss life here
on a ffrequent occurrance. This sometimes bothers some that only want the
subjects to pertain to writing, but writing is about life and friendship as
well. If we do not have the chance to grow as people, we do not make the
connections that provide for that growth. Yes, it is a paradox, but what
isn't? And if we do not make those connections, we do not learn to care.
We cared about Jackie, because of the time we have spent on this list with
her and I am sure that there have been many many relationships built here
over the years.
I stand by what I had previously said about keeping off topic things down
so that we do not offend anyone, but we must also feel we could talk. In
the conversaitions over the past week or so, I have only seen one thing
that was offensive (and this came in after the warning), but I have seen a
lot of camaraderie. I am proud to be a part of this group and hope that you
all feel proud of who you are here as well.
We, in the Writers' Division and on this list serve, are never alone.
Eve Sanchez
 President, National Federation of the Blind Northern Arizona
President, National Federation of the Blind Writers' Division
Committee Chair, Arizona Association of Guide Dog Users
Affiliate Member, National Federation of the Blind Legislative Committee
Affiliate Member, National Federation of the Blind Membership Committee
Member, Slate & Style Editing Team

"You do not need to have vision to see the stars."