Homestead mailing list

[Bill Jones <billj AT harborside.com>]

Tvo once pronounced James to be eloquent, but I don't see it.  Somehow 
even his posts on homesteading manage to alienate people.  Of all the 
people on this list, perhaps I understand best what he's trying to say 
(I think), but even I end up feeling belittled.  It all comes out 
sounding like "y'all better git yer butts a-scythin' if ye want to be as 
good as I".

Notice how someone became unnecessarily threatened when I said that I 
finally put my computer to use.  It seems I mistakenly conveyed the idea 
that everyone must learn computer programming and start writing programs.

The way to approach this sort of thing is to speak personally for 
yourself, something like...  Before I committed myself to skill building 
and self-sufficiency, I was continually taken advantage of.  I've 
learned that without some measure of independence and practical 
knowledge, and without a place in the country to implement it all, I 
would continue to be defrauded and ripped off.  Now I have some hope of 
continuing on, through bank and pension fund collapse, no matter how 
much some joker tries to bilk me for (unless it's the County Assessor!).

Bill