I’m irritated and annoyed! But also grateful.

**Library Guy** · 04-07-2010, 02:36 PM

Okay, let’s pretend I know what I’m talking about…

As I sit behind the sacred marble resin information desk, I get asked a lot of questions. The most common? Where’s the bathroom? And where’s the copier? These aren’t reference questions but what we call, and I’m going to get technical here, directional questions.

I could say, “We put time and money into signs that answer your directional question perfectly. Please do not approach the librarian until you have read the signs posted throughout the library.” Care to guess how long I would remain employed if I said that?

If someone comes to me and asks for Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine I could answer, “look it up” or I could say, “RC 46 H333.” Except that wouldn’t help most patrons. Instead, I have to leave my imposing desk, locomote amongst the shelves and hand the book to the patron. That’s what we call, and I’m going to get technical again, doing my job.

I confess it gets tirsome showing students where Harrison’s is. But it’s important for me to remember that the student just got here. I’ve been here for longer than some of them have been alive.

Some ask questions simply to obtain an answer much as some shave simply to remove facial hair. Others may want an interaction that they don’t get from a sign, a catalogue or a computer database the same way that people want something more than a Norelco buzzing on their face as they wait in traffic.

This interaction can be referred to as learning- it is a process not an event- and it can be a humbling experience to participate in.

Semper Circa,
LG Roy

**Lynn** · 04-07-2010, 02:37 PM

So...........

How many licks does it take to get to the center of a Tootsie Roll Pop?????

**Slartibartfast** · 04-07-2010, 02:40 PM

YouTube - Tootsie Pop

**Lazarus** · 04-07-2010, 03:13 PM

[QUOTE In the meantime, here are some articles I found interesting with respect to some of the social dynamics of online communities:

Regards,
Robin[/QUOTE]

Thanks for the links Robin. I look forward to reading the articles.

**prosneek** · 04-07-2010, 10:38 PM

Being a new person to straight razor shaving, I am thankfull for the old salts. Think of the experienced few as parents and the new people as children. The experienced try to guide us and give us direction based on what they have learned and developed. But we, as children, want to experience things for ourselfs and not listen until we learn that the experienced are not remiss in the advise that they give. As children, most are not thankfull for the direction, only seeking out different advice when the first is not to our liking. Never realizing that the problem is not in the advice but in our impatience with lack of experience.

I, for one, and extreamly gratefull for the advise that my mentor and other members have imparted to me. I hope that the few ingratefull "children" will not sour both the experienced and the inexperienced from teaching and learning.

**Bmad** · 04-08-2010, 02:31 AM

Originally Posted by BeBerlin

Barging into a social community of any type with unmanaged expectations, mutating into experts literally over night, then telling the senior members of said community that they have been doing things the wrong way all along, then pouting when being told off - now, that may not be the smartest thing to do.

I ENTIRELY AGREE!!!

and you wont see me, for one become an expert but as a newbie I will ask that you please be patient with me and I will do my best to find what I need to know on my own. However sometimes it just doesnt pan out the way a search should. I understand your frustration with brand new experts.. like I said I get a lot of "biggest loser" nutritionists show up or guys that think the only way to work out is to use illegal drugs.

It is great to see new people take interest but it is a pain to see them only take an interest untill they know just enough to make them think they are a pro.

I would love to take on making razors some day but before I plan on taking on that adventure I should learn what a properly made razor should shave like and maybe even learn to make scales with a certain level of skill.

THanks for the links. I have said it once and I will say it again. THese links should be sent to every new member in their private messages.

Boog

**eworth** · 04-08-2010, 03:27 AM

I too am new to the forum. That being said, primarily, I have lurked in the shadows and have tried to pick up the information I am seeking by doing searches and checking the Wiki info. And in many cases, have been successful doing so. I hope that when I do ask questions, that they will be well received as we recent converts eagerly and honestly seek to attain the knowledge from those who are willing to mentor and provide helpful and direct replies.

We are genuine in our enthusiasm. Please be patient, we just want to discover and experience what you have known for years. I've have had a blast learning to put an enjoyable spin on what I until recently felt to have been a mundane task. I now look forward to shaving for the first time just like when I was 16 , some 27 years ago. You all have been a big part of my "awakening."

Thanks for all those willing to be patient and guide us along.

Thread: I’m irritated and annoyed! But also grateful.

LinkBack

Thread Tools

Display

Event or Process?

Posting Permissions