Grex 2004

May 31 11:04 UTC 2004

Okay, let's say we're getting the chance to do it all again, and 
starting a conferencing system called Grex.  But instead of 1991 
it's 2004.  What would that system look like?  Would the doors be 
left wide open?  Would it depend on donations to survive?  Could 
anyone on the net read us?  Would we be a charitable 501(c)3 
organization?

How has Grex done over time?  Is it still working?  

response 2 of 17:

May 31 11:19 UTC 2004

Or rather, "Yes, in spite of some unfortunate/irritating persons with Constant
Whining Syndrome and/or Spoil it for Everyone Else Syndrome."

response 4 of 17:

May 31 13:36 UTC 2004

GreX sucks

response 8 of 17:

May 31 16:36 UTC 2004

QED

response 10 of 17:

May 31 21:50 UTC 2004

Re. 7:  Scott, some of us care about the system.  We want to take all effort
possible to improve it before abandoning it, as if we were Valerie or jep.

response 12 of 17:

May 31 23:46 UTC 2004

SHEEPERSZ"  JUST DON'T GET TEH BAD ENGLISH SENCORED

response 14 of 17:

Jun 1 23:04 UTC 2004

I think there would be other differences as well.  I don't think the 
model of an open newuser works as well now as it did in 1991.  The 
party has grown, which is good in the sense that it's not all 
computer nerds anymore.  But it's also bad in the sense that with 
that expanded audience we get more people who need attention, no 
matter what that takes, and the bigger audience feeds that 
attention jones.

I wonder, if someday, Grex might want to put a throttle on newuser,
making verification mandatory for posting privileges.  Keep the 
conferences readable, as now, in hopes that folks will find the 
discussions enticing.  But to post, the treasurer (or whomever gets 
the job) needs to know who you are.

Sounds harsh?  Yep.  But it would empower staff where they currently 
are, mostly, helpless.  And it might just raise the level of 
discussion.  If it doesn't kill it outright. ;-)

I'm also not sure our charitable 501(c)3 status is necessary at this 
point?  Are we really serving those who couldn't connect if not for 
Grex?  We do still serve a few and that status helps us get our 
donations.  I'm just glad we got it when we did.

The one thing that hasn't changed at all, from day one, is that Grex 
thrives on new arrivals.  You can only hear the same people make 
their same comments so many times before you start pulling out your 
eyeballs.  Slight exaggeration there.  But I think most folks 
understand that it's difficult to be robust and stagnant at the same 
time.  

So, I'd like to see Grex remain the same, mostly, but not be afraid 
of trying new things once in a while.  I'd like everyone who is 
invested in this family to stay but look for ways to get new voices 
and faces involved as well.  I'd like to make sure people are valued 
but that no one person becomes essential to our survival.

And lastly, in the early days staff were architects and builders.  
Now they are police and custodians.  They are tired and feeling 
obligated and beat-up.  I don't know how to turn that around.  I 
just know it's a problem for all of Grex.  A big problem.  How can 
we again make it challenging in a *fun* way to be staff on Grex?

Anyhow, some of my thoughts on 1991 vs. 2004. 

response 16 of 17:

Jun 2 12:55 UTC 2004

WHO BEAT UP THE STAFF HERE?>! PUT "EM UP