I do think we need to be careful, though, as Jo said, not to make newcomers
feel unwelcome with their questions-- what most new ones are looking for is
not just information, but the personal touch of fellowship from someone who
has been in the same boat. Many have described on the list that wonderful
feeling of realization when discovering that there were OTHERS out there and
we could communicate with them.
Many new ones have said they are not only new to TM, but also new to
computers, and may not know how to search things out. Some people just aren't
inclined that way -- one thing I learned from home schooling two very
different sons is that people's minds work and process information different
ways. I have one son, who, if he were on a list like this, would be inclined
to read as much as he could of all the links, research as much as he could for
himself, and only post a message to the list if he had a specific question or
comment. I have another son who would not even think to approach it that way
-- he is a more social, interactive person and would rather ask people and
talk about it. If someone responded to his question with just a "The info. you
are requesting is at this site: you can look it up and read it for yourself,"
he would feel rebuffed and discouraged and would probably not go any further,
whereas my first son might feel that answer was a little impersonal, but would
appreciate the info. and would look it up. I think those different mind sets
come into play here as well.
The archives are a great source, but there are thousands and thousands of
posts there -- it would take a humongous amount of time just to skim through
for pertinent info. Jim (for those who are new, Jim Lubin set up and maintains
the TMA and the TMIC web sites) had a search function on it, but it had a
number of problems, so it was taken off. There are a few "classic" posts in
the archives that I wish I had kept the links for -- where someone gave a very
good answer to a particular question. There is one I look up from time to time
and resend to new folks sometimes because it helped me so much.
I think articles like Alton suggested would be a good source to include both
in the TMA newsletter and as links on the TMA and/or TMIC web sites. In fact,
in one place or another Jim used to have links to some well-written, thorough
articles on specific frequent topics such as the relationship between TM and
MS, how to deal with catheters, etc. -- I don't know if those are still there.
Sorry for rambling. :-)
Just another 2 cents worth...
Barbara H.