Open Forum (was "well then")
Saul Epstein 
Thu, 19 Mar 1998 12:34:22 -0600

<sigh>

In my own mind, the group I suggested we might refer to as the Vulcan
Academy Linguistics Department consists of anyone wishing to make any
sort of constructive contribution to a collective study/development of
"knowledge" concerning Vulcan language and languages -- including
those who do no more than listen to what others say, as I consider
that to be a very constructive contribution. While I'm honored to be
thought of as a member of some smaller, more select group, I'm not at
all comfortable with it.

I am aware, however, that the discussions Rob, Marketa, and I have had
on the side may constitute a kind of "end run" around the list. While
they're convenient in may ways, I'm beginning to see it as a mistake
to let any of them go too far -- especially if they're productive --
without airing them in public. Because I'd much prefer to have
everyone working on these things together, and for us to consider each
other as co-participants, regardless of who is responsible for how
much. That is, while I and others may use someone's name to refer to
some piece of the work, I'd rather think of all of it as belonging to
all of us.

This goes along with the simple truth that we will get more done, and
be more able to cooperate, if we try for the most part to build on the
existing work. At the same time, there is plenty of room for things to
branch, to accommodate our diversity and the naturalistic diversity of
the Vulcan peoples over time. I think it wise, though, to focus on
getting one, comparatively narrow piece of work to a certain stage of
development first, to prevent our energies from being divided to the
point that none of us can achieve anything.

In short (<g>), I hope Sorik stays, and speaks. Both because I feel a
painful kind of kinship with him and because we all need each other.
And I hope that we all remember not to interpret criticism of our
offerings as attacking our worthiness-to-offer.

--
from Saul Epstein
locus*planetkc,com
www,jccc,net/~sepstein
"Surak ow'phaaper thes'hi thes'tca'; thes'phaadjar thes'hi
    suraketca'."
                                        -- K'dvarin Urswhl'at