permaculture

[Katherine Steele <kat@steelemoon.com>]

Hi Scott-

It really depends on what lens you are using.  Some like yourself may 
see creating a new list as a "divisive move" where as others like 
myself might see it as creating new opportunities for more people to 
communicate freely.

No intention here to divide though that may be an unknown benefit.  In 
fact there is a big intention to create something new and positive.  
Anyone is free to choose whatever they want to do.  You too.  The 
invitation remains open.

I have not enjoyed this list as much in the last few months with what I 
perceive as immature, rehashing of the same old conversations and a lot 
of fighting.  This behavior is what seems the most divisive to me.  I 
tend to promote and attempt to engage in communications that are 
supportive and encouraging and in a spirit of curiosity rather than 
criticism.  I ain't perfect on that one and God knows I am learning as 
I grow.  I realize we are all human and have strong opinions, old 
patterns of behavior and fits of anger and other passions.  
Nonetheless, I and others from this list with similar desires wanted to 
create a fresh start and to get to discuss permaculture in peace 
without fear of being booted off a list or reprimanded for an unpopular 
or strong opinion.  That' s the hope at least. Who knows what will 
happen.  All depends on who shows up and how they choose to behave.  I 
see no reason why two or three or twenty permaculture lists can't 
peacefully coexist.  I am on 5 Pc lists already!  They each have a 
different flavor, focus and culture.

That being said I find your unfounded criticism of our Pc course 
interesting.  If you are wanting to examine the 15 day curriculum that 
Benjamin, Erik and I have developed for the SLI classes. I'd be glad to 
send it to you.  It does include the full 72 hours and a design 
project.  We do focus heavily on the Farm and Garden Design and not as 
much on economics and designing for catastrophe.   But it's all there.  
We chose to hold it this way because of the Solar Living Institution's 
established 5 day format and their on site mini-farm.  We thought it 
beneficial to have the course happen over different seasons.

I guess your post is an example of what's been bugging me about this 
list.

As you may have guessed I am in the camp that thinks there are a 
thousand ways to teach a permaculture course -- we all just need to get 
creative and experiment and teach more.

Not looking to change your mind but maybe secretly hoping it will open 
a little bit :-)

Peace
~Kat

>
I find this a very devisive move, in the sense that this listserve has
served the PC community very well for years and is familiar to most of
us involved in permaculture and to organize another in what seems a fit
of pique is counter productive.

I hope it isn't because of our last string on course curriculum, I
couldn't help but notice that you are offering certification for
attending three of your workshops and that those workshops seemed
considerable light on the required curriculum.

I will opt to stay with this list serve because it does allow
contentiousness, when it is called for, and has consistently been
flameless.   I would certainly want to have better reasons than you list
above to change my mind.

Regards,
Scott Pittman