[FFML] Just a note on configuration - (From an old fart)

[Joseph Palmer]

<Snippage>

> > I raised this point, what, eight months ago, during the last great
> "fate of the FFML" discussion.  The mods clamped down so successfully
> on irrelevant messages that no one bothered posting anythng any more.
> It stopped being a community of friends with a shared interest, and
> became a distribution channel.
> 
> My stand is, unless the server is in immediate danger of overload,
> let people talk as they care to regardless of topic.

+1

I too miss the sense of community in the "old" FFML. (But then I'm older 
than many of you... ^_^)

It's not even clear that the same kind of community can be re-built. 
There are now so many series to write for, that only a fraction of the 
List will know any one series well enough to provide character-level 
C&C. Plus, the world has changed. The FFML and before that RAAC were THE 
places for anime fanfiction, now there is FF.net, Media Miner, 
LiveJournal, and even (gulp) Fanlib, just to name a few.

What hasn't changed is the need to have another fresh set of eyes 
looking at a story to see the things the author does not see.

What hasn't changed is the urge to create and share, and the urge to 
improve our abilities to create and share.

What hasn't changed is the need for a place to recognize and recommend 
good stories.

What hasn't changed is the need for an online ecosystem to encourage and 
grow new writers, and to inspire the old writers to get back in the 
game. (The 20th Anniversary of the first appearance of Ranma 1/2 in 
Shounen Sunday is this September. I WILL have Yellow done to mark the 
occasion.)

It's clear to me (at least) that the FFML had lost that magic over the 
years. I hope this new FFML will find a way to fill those needs. It's 
only my opinion, but I'd much prefer to pick the Foie Gras from the Spam 
than to sit at an empty plate.

I didn't step up to restart the list myself (By the way, Thank you, 
Carr-samma!) so I can only offer my participation, and I'll be happy to 
make a paypall donation to help cover bandwith costs.

J.

P.S. It warms my heart to see some familiar names. I was thinking about 
you the other day Fester, as I watched the weather over Kansas, and I 
still have a seat* in the FFIRC from time to time, so hop on in, Karaohki.

*No one else will sit in it. They say it smells like scotch and plums.