[Coco] What does it mean to be a member of the CoCo community?

Tue Apr 4 15:26:02 EDT 2017

I am very new to the community though a very long time CoCo user.  Last fall I decided to pull out the CoCo I used in my youth and went online to find interesting resources especially given that I never had floppy disk storage when I was young or any software beyond a few carts or what I typed in myself. This lead me to a few websites and also the Facebook group which I joined.

I don't feel like there is a hierarchy in that nobody seems to be "in control". I do see that there are active community members that are producing great work, and/or possess great knowledge of the system and they are given respect due them.

As a newcomer I can say that I felt to reluctance to accept me. People seem excited with the few posts I've made and I feel very welcome.  Along those same lines I don't know what the group as a whole would consider requirements to "be accepted" or deemed "legitimate". I would hope that the only requirements would be common decency and a love for the CoCo.

I think there is a bit of a divide between OS9 and RS-DOS in so much as OS9 seems to take a bigger investment to learn. It also seems that for that investment you get a great deal of power in return. I think both have their place for sure. Hammers and screwdrivers you know?

I've said this before, but it bears repeating. Of all the retro computer communities I participate in the CoCo community is my favorite. I enjoy the technical focus and deep knowledge that I find here. I get tired of reading the same "What was your favorite game?" post every day in some of the other communities and find it refreshing to read about all the interesting software and hardware developments that are happening here. On the other hand maybe I am biased by the fact that my first "real" computer was a CoCo.

________________________________
From: Coco <coco-bounces at maltedmedia.com> on behalf of Steve Strowbridge <ogsteviestrow at gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, April 4, 2017 8:05:51 AM
To: CoCo Mailing List
Subject: [Coco] What does it mean to be a member of the CoCo community?

So maybe this post will spark some interests and response, but as I compile
my thoughts and experiences of being a part of several CoCo channels, such
as this list, the Facebook page, The Podcast, the comments I get from
around the web on YouTube, it really got me thinking, what does it mean to
be a member of the CoCo community?

   - Is there a hierarchy to it?
   - Is there a reluctance to accept "newcomers"
   - How do the veterans feel about newcomers
   - What are the "requirements" to be "accepted" or be deemed "legitimate"
   - Is there an actual "Great divide" between OS9 and RS-DOS?
   - You name it

All these thoughts and ideas are in the minds of many because I see
questions and comments about them in the various locations I mentioned.

I've heard the term CoCo Luminary mentioned quite a bit, when referring to
someone, and I actually like that word, it makes me think of the illuminati
and the big pyramid eye in the sky.

Certainly there are some founding father type figures that have done major
things to the past and present of the CoCo's history, and those people
deserve proper respect and recognition.

I myself am still very much a newcomer, I've only known about the community
for less than 2 years, and from my experience, I've made a lot of friends
and gained an extended family.

I am not technical in the electronics or software development arenas, but
have a fond appreciation for both, and the people working on projects in
both areas.

My first interactions were on Google+ which led me to Facebook, which led
me learning about the CoCo underdog book, the CoCo Crew Podcast, and the
people who are still talking about this computer every day.

I don't feel like I have any "place" or "level" in this perceived hierarchy
(nor am I seeking any), I'm just a member of this community.

I have been very fortunate to have some of the legends of CoCo creation
spend time with me and give interviews, and even become friends, and I am
humbled by that, but don't in any way think that has "elevated my status."
I have asked other people do do interviews about their projects, and some
people feel that what they are doing is "not worthy" of what other people
have done or are doing.

I think that anybody who is doing anything to help keep the CoCo alive and
well in their hearts, and in the hearts of others, is an equal member of
the community, and regardless of how technical you are, or aren't I would
hope we should all feel the same about each other.

So the combination of my simple mind and big heart think, that no matter
what you are doing with or for the CoCo, you should feel proud about it,
and share it with the community.

Well that's just me, I've always been naive and a big pie in the sky kind
of guy, but hopefully these are some great starting points to get people to
weigh in, love to hear many points of views and perspectives.

And maybe, this can be the topic, or one of the topics we discuss this
Sunday on CoCoTALK!

Steve Strowbridge, aka
The Original Gamer Stevie Strow
http://ogsteviestrow.com
ogsteviestrow at gmail.com

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