Introductions

Oct 13 20:23 UTC 1996

If you aren't really shy, how about entering a response here, so we know
who's here, and who's who...maybe say a few words about yourself.  I'll
start by describing how I got involved:  Most of you know I am a perpetual
student and *long* time resident of Ann Arbor (Chelsea, now).  Timo and I
have a friend in common, who gave him my number.  When he was calling a
bunch of strangers, at the early stage of getting the group organized, he
called me, and I came too.  I'd never heard of the Utne magazine, but I've
subsequently read it a few times.  Frankly, it strikes me as mostly fluff. 
But the members of the group strike me as unusually wise and pleasant
people.  Glad you could make it, everybody. 

Incidentally, I am the designated "fair-witness" of this conference.  The
significance of that is unclear.  I'd certainly be happy to receive
questions or suggestions about the conference.  I definitely do not take
responsibility for anything people may say here, or the consequences
thereof.  Grex promotes a culture of free speech, individual freedom and
responsibility.  I have no power to censor anything, or restrict access to
the conference.  I suggest that people refrain from discussing any plans
they may have to destroy government property, and to try to be reasonably
polite to each other.

response 2 of 8:

Oct 16 17:23 UTC 1996

The original Utne Salons were organized through Utne magazine.  You'd send
them your name, and they'd send you a list of people in your "neighborhood"
who were also interested.  I got in on the second round of this, while I was
living in College Station, Texas, and got a list containing mostly people who
lived in Houston, 60 miles away. I contacted the few other College Station
people on the list, and we organized our own College Station Salon.  I did
advertizing and maintained the mailing list, but it never got large.  Our
monthly meetings had 3-8 people, but we had many very neat discussions.

After moving back to Ann Arbor, I got connected up with a local Utne group
whose meetings I still attend.  This turns out not to be the same group as
the one nsiddall is involved in.  It's still fun.

response 4 of 8:

Nov 12 04:46 UTC 1996

I'm Misti Tucker.  I firsat heard of the Utne reader back when
Erik Utne was trying to get that first issue out.  I was a political activist
at the time and on "all the right lists", I guess.  <g>

Anyway, I remember reading about their "Salon" movement ... but by then I had
my hands full with school, kids, and my own political activities so
I never took them up on it.

I've enjoyed most of the issues I've ever bought -- but that's mainly
because I only buy the issues that deal with topics that intrigue me.  (And
I generally sympathize with Utne's take on things, even when I don't agree.)

response 6 of 8:

Nov 14 04:27 UTC 1996

I too read Utne irregularly.  Mostly I check out the A2 Library copy, then
buy the ones I think I'll want right at hand for reference.  

response 8 of 8:

Nov 25 19:09 UTC 1996

Jason looks and acts quite a bit like me, Jan.  I really don't know what
the story is on that Utne group is, though.  If I see Jason I'll ask him.