EXERCISE: What do I do now?

[mbarker.livejournal.com]

original posting: Fri, 01 Sep 2000 22:43:46 -0400

Hi, all.

One of our new members, in response to my letter about what it means to become a member of writers, asked the poignant question "What do I do now?".

Perhaps, if you have a few moments, you might answer that question.  In particular, I'm thinking of three areas:

1.  What can I expect from this list?  What is the purpose, what byroads do we wander along, where are we going and how do we get there?

2.  What should I do to participate in the list?  Suppose I want to send my stories (poems, essays, etc. -- scribblings?) to the list and comment and talk about technique and...  What is the best way to become a well-known and visible member of this place that isn't a place?  (and should I start by shaking hands or handing out business cards or just with a hearty "hi, ho, what do you know!"? :-)

3.  Are there games, questions, exercises, or what to help me along?  How do I join in the ring-ding dances?  Do I need to avoid stepping on the over-grown bunions of that wild-eyed list master?  What about the wrestling mat over there -- how can I get on it (and off it!) without pain and anguish?

Or whatever you think would help the new members (or even the older ones) to orient themselves, put their words out here, and enjoy the ambience (did anyone notice the new philodendron in the corner?  I go out of my way to get those chintzy curtains and no one even mentions the color!  Honestly, you'd think everyone enjoyed the dust gathering under the rocking chairs.  Come on, get up and shake a broom at the spiderwebs at least, okay?)

Later!