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

Tue Apr 4 15:59:51 EDT 2017

Thanks for sharing Scott, I do enjoy the depth of technical expertise in
both hardware and software that takes place here, I'm glad so far, everyone
has felt they received warm welcomes.
I don't think I've felt any cold shoulders myself, I'm really just trying
to get a feel for what some collective opinions and perceptions are.

This is the first and the primary, almost only retro community I'm a member
of, and 99% of what I do is either on Facebook or YouTube, but I enjoy
everything I see, hear, and read through the various channels like Blogs,
Podcasts, YouTube videos, and Facebook postings, and  even here in the
list, occasionally, although a lot of stuff here is way over my head.

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

On Tue, Apr 4, 2017 at 3:26 PM, Scott Wendt <malfunct at msn.com> wrote:

> 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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