Dear silver list members, Many of you that are on the list today probably weren't around last January when I took over. So I think I ought to let you know how I came to be in this position and what I'm trying to accomplish.
I joined the list almost 2 years ago, looking for people who could answer my questions about this CS stuff I'd read about on usenet and web sites. I was hoping there'd be somewhere I could find decent data to back up the many claims. Of course, there wasn't! But I did make the acquaintance of a number of you who have had positive results that can't be explained away. Some simple calculations told me that I probably would not turn grey from the total quantities of silver involved, not even taking into account that most if not all of the silver is supposed to be excreted. So I figured it was worth trying. I've ended my problems with recurrent bronchitis and scaled back my sinus problems since using CS. I've had friends and relatives try it with some success, including a diabetic who has cleared up his chronic bladder infections. My personal opinion, at this point, is that CS is effective, at least for some things, and *seems* safe. But when I'm talking to people I always mention the possibilities of herxheimer reactions, allergic reactions to silver, and the widespread fears over argyria. I want them to be informed and make up their own minds. I became the list owner and maintainer after conflicts on the list caused Gary Hawkins, it's originator, to decide to shut it down rather than cope with the hassles. Several of us beseeched him to help us keep the list going, and I sort of ended up being the one who didn't run away fast enough. <grin> I've attempted since then to keep the list a protected place where interested folks can carry on their study and research free from attacks by debunkers and a barrage of marketing hype and spam. I read every post that comes through and contribute where I think I can help. I try to instill a sense of tolerance, since there are many good ways to make and use CS, with different attributes and drawbacks for each method. And we've learned the hard way to stay away from certain topics, like politics and religion. Another hot button issue is the traditional medicine bashing that emerges whenever someone gets too officious in defending the medical establishment. We've got many folks who are refugees of traditional (mis)treatment and have been sorely hurt, while on the other hand we've got newcomers who are just starting to ask questions and would write us off as kooks if we come on too strong. I try to get the traditional and alternative types to at least leave each other alone, and hopefully to give the other credit where it is due. This is kinda hard to achieve sometimes! <grin> I work hard not to become list-tyrant. I'm sure I talk (type) too much sometimes. If we happen to disagree on something, don't be afraid to debate me. I'm not God! I just ask that each of you allow the *rest* of us to make up our own minds and not to be offended if others choose to disagree with you. Finally, I have a technical background and have participated in "real" scientific research. I can handle the jargon and recognize most bullsh*t when I see it. I'll be the first one to tell you that nearly all we've got to go on is anecdotal evidence. One of my hopes is that we'll be able to foster some of the research that needs to be done, here, on this list. In the meantime, I'd like your help separating the fact from speculation from opinion from hype from disinformation that surrounds CS. And I appreciate all the warmth and support we've given each other along the way. It's been a challenge and a pleasure to work with you all this past year, and I look forward to the progress we'll make in the future. Be well, Mike D. [Mike Devour, Citizen, Patriot, Libertarian] [mdev...@mail.id.net ] [Speaking only for myself... ] -- The silver-list is a moderated forum for discussion of colloidal silver. To join or quit silver-list or silver-digest send an e-mail message to: silver-list-requ...@eskimo.com -or- silver-digest-requ...@eskimo.com with the word subscribe or unsubscribe in the SUBJECT line. To post, address your message to: silver-list@eskimo.com List maintainer: Mike Devour <mdev...@id.net>
