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Dear Barbara (and John), You, and the forum you provide, ARE appreciated. Thank you. The (sometimes) silent Carole Hercun Barbara Patterson <[log in to unmask]> wrote: I resent the word 'lurker'. Webster defines 'lurk' as: "to lie in wait in a place of concealment esp. for an evil purpose" and its synonyms as: "skulk, slink, sneak". Surely, there must be a better term to identify those of us who do not post messages to the list because 'lurker' does NOT fit. How about 'the silent majority'. How about the fact that many of our members are not physically able to type messages; or that many people don't feel the need to contribute their 2 cents worth as often as others. This list exists solely and completely for the support and sharing of information about Parkinson's. Information on medications, surgeries, research, political activisim, quality of life, and, most of all, first-hand experience for all pwp's and their loved ones and caregivers. There is no obligation to contribute. Those who do are greatly appreciated for their time and effort (Murray, you're one!). Those who do not, are also appreciated for their interest in the list and for their interest in learning about Parkinson's in this unique way. Some of us are born 'talkers'; some are born 'listeners'. There is a need for both. This list is unmoderated because John Cottingham and I feel it should be open. Neither of us wishes to impose our viewpoints as the only viewpoints which is what could (and does) happen on moderated lists. Sort of 'toe the party line' and you're in' attitude. Well, that's not us. We like freedom. We like openness. We only keep the focus directed towards Parkinson's and avert/divert list wars. Other than that, we are all adults who have an interest in Parkinson's and, having read and understood and agreed to the list Charter, chose to join PIEN. This topic pops up so regularly that it really does feel like 'deja vu all over again'. :) Concern about identities on the internet is valid. Just because I say I am someone, doesn't necessarily make it true. Just as we don't automatically accept that someone who knocks on our door asking for help, donations, etc. is who he says he is. We take precautions. We offer to make a phone call for them. We don't let them walk into our homes. Giving out one's home phone number on the internet to prove one's identity is not really the greatest idea. Some folks who make a big deal of this consistently refuse to answer or return calls. What is the point? In case any one has any concerns about the Parkinsn Information Exchange Network, and does not want to use email to contact me, my home phone number is 905-627-1832. I will answer the calls. I do NOT advise anyone else to post their home phone numbers in the interests of safety. This message has covered many topics. Here's one more: To Margaret Tuchman and the Parkinson Alliance, thank you very much for your prompt and willing support. It makes us know we are appreciated. Barbara Patterson PIEN List Owner, ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn