bwaynef

"Face it, those of us who participate in online discussion are generally relying on the others involved to help us learn." -- Andy Rutledge

Personally, I hated to see Andy leave the online community as he did. He brought many ideas and points of view that I simply had never considered. I'll admit to being more of a consumer of his thoughts than anyone with whom he may have engaged or learned.

Andy knows that people appreciate his ideas. Theres no other explanation for his "contributions" of late. Thats not to be confused with people agreeing with his ideas. Its painfully obvious that a lot of people did not. I'm not certain what caused his hasty departure from the online community, but have reasoned these disagreements may have played some part.

In reading a recent article of Mr. Rutledge, I came across the nugget I quoted above. From this I see that online discussion is viewed by Andy as a learning tool. Its been my experience that such discussion proves itself invaluable. What is unsettling is his insistence that he is participating, even if this insistence is faint. What we have with Andy is not a discussion. It is immobile, one-sided, and stagnant.

Ironically, I see that much of the fodder for his monologues or soliloquies, I cannot determine which, are derived straight from the fora from which he so hastily retreated. I hold the utmost respect for Andy and his ideas and ideals, but this withdrawal only to comment from afar appears cowardly. Cowardice may be a bit strong for what I'm trying to convey, but I see no benefit in this method of delivery that is not easily outweighed by engaging discussion and the learning/teaching possibilities that follow. (****EDIT There is an edit to this particular piece of this post a few posts down. ***END EDIT) If artistry is to be explored and furthered, then discussion of the methods and ideas will come more readily in one of the active communities than in the convoluted methodology wherewith we forum commoners discuss, then find that we've been discussed, thereupon continuing our discussion, only now with the lengthy but static input from Andy. Our questions go unanswered. Our retorts for his go irresolute.

Andy, contribute or create. If you don't want to be a part of our discussions then be creative. Use the artistry you've been blessed with (and you've worked to cultivate) to teach us something more suited to the media in which you choose to communicate. Your Worlds within Worlds 1 & 2 are exemplary for your choice of what to communicate for you chosen media. Insisting you're active in the online community simply for airing your thoughts is childish. There is still room for contributions to the online community from you, and the wealth of information you could teach. The method you've chosen only leads to a false sense of belonging on your part. I believe its the general consensus that we welcome you back as a contributer, but as it stands, overseer nor commentator are positions that benefit the community.

Wayne F.

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© 2004 - present bwaynef

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