"Tom Neff" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>I disagree with (and dislike) the comment that we're all here to
>advance our own agendas, or else why come?
When you get right down to it, all motivation is selfish. Nobody does
anything for a net personal loss. Your reward may simply be feeling
good about yourself or it may be more obvious like learning, making
money, or satisfying one of the basic needs (food, clothing, shelter).
>We are here (or we should be here imho) to share stuff we've learned
>with others,
...because it makes us feel good (helpful, knowledgeable, etc.) or we
think it makes the world a better place, which benefits everyone.
>to learn from what others have to share,
which is obviously selfish.
>and to debate new stuff of concern to us all as list managers.
And why do people debate? To convince others to adopt their
beliefs. Why do people want others to adopt their beliefs? Lots of
reasons, including validating those beliefs, wanting a community of
like-minded people to associate with, etc. Or maybe they just get a
good feeling from knowing that they've enlightened someone.
>In many cases we do this for years without ever "plugging" -- or even
>mentioning -- the specific lists that we run.
You might not plug your lists, books, or services, but you plug your
ideas. You participate over the long term because you get more out of
the list than you put in--though the rewards are rarely monetary.
-Dave
