Miata Mailing List: March 2000, Message #151

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Back in the dark ages,back when you couldn't buy a 20,000$ dollar Miata,
this list was a happy place. We'd wish each other happy birthdays and
anniversaries, exchange stories about parts and our newest tech
discoveries, and sympathise with each other's losses. Somewhere along
the line, we seem to have lost that sense of community. I don't know
whether it's the current list membership, or just the nature of mailing
lists, but we seem to have lost something really nice.
Things lately have taken a really nasty turn lately. The way Russ was
treated was dplorable. Sure, he's young, and maybe a little goofy, but
it was interesting to watch his car evolve. This type of post was once
common here. Now, who is going to put their enthusiam to word when
they're just going to take a shot between the eyes here? Like him or
not, he didn't deserve the abuse he got.
What does the newcomer think when he or she reads the list today? I'm
not sure that I would subcribe for the first time today. 
Same with Miata magazine. It sure isn't perfect, but I'm glad we have
it. The computer lists simply are not a substitute for a printed
magazine. I'd love to have an English language equivilent of Road&Ster
or "Eunos Roadster", but until then, I look forward to the arrival of
Miata Magazine. Norm and Ric take a lot of shots, but has anybody here
done better? I didn't think so.
This is not one of tose take my marbles and leave missives. I want to
see the Miata community grow and thrive. Meaness and petty fewding are
the weeds that choke out the seeds of community. Don't let it happen.

Scott Chamberlain          
 President, Nutmeg Miata
Yellow 92 1.8, 5 speed "Flower"
"Life is a journey...enjoy the ride!"