[Geysers] A little more on "rude" gazers...

[David Schwarz]

   Just a couple of other points on this subject.

   First: The letter in question was addressed to the GOSA press and
membership.  As such, it is clearly intended for publication.  While it
doesn't explicitly name names, it might as well, since it indicts an easily
identifiable group of people, many of whom are among the most dedicated and
productive in terms of the collection of information about the geysers.  If
you're going to do that, then have the courage and decency to sign your
name.  It adds credibility and context to your complaint, and it places you
on even footing with those who you have, for all intents and purposes,
named.  Not to do so is, well, rude.

   Most respectable newspapers and journals won't withhold names or publish
anonymous pieces unless there is a compelling reason, such as a credible
threat to life and limb.  I'd encourage the GOSA press to adhere to such a
policy.

   Second: The letter writer has implicitly brought up the question of
GOSA's purpose.
This is a topic that should probably come up every so often anyway.  The
stated purpose of GOSA (the store, press, board of directors, and other
official entities) is something along the lines of "The collection and
dissemination of information about geysers."  Not to act as a social
network.  Not to answer every question of every visitor or fellow gazer who
walks by all summer.  Not to act as ambassadors for the park or Park
Service.  Anyone who wishes to interact with other visitors and other gazers
is free to do so.  Anyone who prefers not to has a right to make that choice
without being anonymously attacked in a public forum.  As the writer
accurately observed, we are all nothing more than perennial visitors.

   As a long-time GOSA associate, the letter writer must surely be aware
that some of the people they're complaining about are sending regular
reports to the listserv and The Sput, entering a detailed record into the
Old Faithful logbook, and writing research articles for The GOSA
Transactions.  Though their efforts are apparently largely unappreciated
_they_ are collecting information about geysers and making it available now
and for the historic record, and I guarantee that they have benefited
countless visitors, including many of you reading this forum.  Can our
anonymous letter writer say as much?

David Schwarz
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