Grex Utne Conference

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Grex Utne Item 2: Introductions
Entered by nsiddall on Sun Oct 13 20:23:54 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.

8 responses total.

#1 of 8 by bruin on Sun Oct 13 21:45:01 1996:

My name is Bruin the Bare Bear, and I am one of those whose eyes have been
opened wider by "Utne Reader's" take of world events.  My favorite articles
have included the history of coffee and its effect on the Capitalist societies
and the hazards of working at Disney World.  In fact, that Mickey Mouse outfit
does not lok as attractive after reading that article.

#2 of 8 by janc on Wed Oct 16 17:23:43 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.

#3 of 8 by nsiddall on Wed Oct 16 22:56:59 1996:

Hey, nice to see you, Jan and Valerie, and others.  I hope some of the
regulars show up soon, as I'm sure you'd enjoy meeting them.  Jan, is my
friend Jason Eyster a member of your group?  What have you people been
discussing lately?

#4 of 8 by mta on Tue Nov 12 04:46:14 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.)

#5 of 8 by nsiddall on Tue Nov 12 16:43:32 1996:

Hi, Misti.  Welcome.  Hey, I hope things are going well with that kid
of yours, by the way.  Sorry I haven't managed to get the regulars signed
on yet.  We'll see...

#6 of 8 by e4808mc on Thu Nov 14 04:27:30 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.

#7 of 8 by janc on Mon Nov 25 16:16:29 1996:

I don't know if Jason Eyster is in "my" salon.  The name seems familiar but
I haven't sorted the whole group out.  There seems to be a small core and a
lot of occasionals.  Also the salon seems not to have met (or not to have sent
out announcments to me) for several months now.

#8 of 8 by nsiddall on Mon Nov 25 19:09:18 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.

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