Thoughts on Community

[tamidon.livejournal.com]

and how it applies to Baitcon

Now keep in mind, this has nothing to do with JB or anyone else running Baitcon, but I've been thinking

have you thought about what Baitcon is?

It's a giant party thrown by a group of people organized by one very friendly man, JB
Personally I think 'bait is often too nice for his own good. Let's face it, he throws this massive party every year, spending huge amounts of time and his own money to do so. I guess alot of us are a little nuts too,helping him out.

now here's the question:...How do you think of Baitcon?
Is it a community experience for you? Or is it something you paid for and expect to get served for? Did you honestly try to help out? Or did you offer just once,no one needed help,and let it go at that? or did you just wander thru enjoying the party?

Do you talk to the people who are working as members of your community? Or are they the staff of this event you go to? No matter how you think of them, how did you talk to them? Did you demand that your issues be taken care of? Or did you ask for help like you would if you were in someone's home?

I know you think your specific issues are incredibly important... and to you they are. To me, it's another thing I need to think of, and I'm really trying, but do you think it's really reasonable to ask me to drop everything I'm doing to take care of you? Do you really need to see me stop everything I'm doing to address your problem, even if it's in the middle of other, complicated, stuff I'm doing? This happens a lot. I'm sorry if I can't make every person happy with every item we have, but let me break it down for you, at least in terms of food: we have vegans, vegetarians and Kosher. We have people allergic to wheat, soy, milk/dairy, berries, nightshades, wine/vinegar, shellfish, onions, garlic, cilantro, nuts, and many more. We can't make each meal cover every one, it's just not possible with the money and people we have.

There are many other issues,these are the ones I usually deal with. Trust me, other things from electricity to cabins to kid stuff, are also being dealt with as best as possible.

Do you need to interrogate the staff on each item on the table? Even if there is an ingredient card? Do you need face time that much? Are you so sensitive that any contamination would kill you? Is waiting for me to finish what I'm doing before doing something specially for you really a medical emergency? Balance your trust with your sensitivity. If it'll kill you, we'll be extra careful,but take some responsibility for your health too.

Interestingly enough, the people with the biggest issues, disabilities, etc...are often the ones with the most patience and cope.

I suggest everyone read 5 Geek Social fallacies. Seriously. When your problem doesn't seem to be taken care of as promptly as you would wish,think about it. Do you think no one is trying or cares? Give us some credit.

This is just some ponderings I've been having. Here's some thoughts: remember to volunteer...your kids too, they can bring dishes to the sink or something ...try to remember everyone is trying to get things done...have a good time, but not at someone else's expense.


The majority of people have, when told I'm not going to be there this year, worried about the food. Very few said they'ld miss me there this year for reasons other than my cooking. Those that did are mainly those on BCC who have the most reason to miss my cooking skills. I have to admit, I'm a little annoyed. It's why I started thinking about this.

Let me leave with this:

If we're a community, remember to act like it.

Comments

[kimberlogic.livejournal.com]

A few of us talked about this today. Next year, please just do whatever flavors/sorbets you want to do. You've made breads and such for years, which has been lovely, but clearly is a big stress for you.
We'll do fine without them next year and perhaps you'll enjoy things more.

Thank you again for the loan of the PA system - that was great!

[donnad.livejournal.com]

The truth is, I started doing the breads so I would know there was something I could eat for breakfast. Since I can't keep food privately, I figured I would make enough to be able to share. But if you don't want them anymore, that's fine.