Do we need this group?

[Arle]

Subsequent to my setting up this group I received feedback both on the
hurdy gurdy list and off list from people who felt that setting up
this group was doing a disservice to the broader community by walling
off the building community from the broader community. I don't really
want to set up this group if the function will be to replicate
something that could better be handled in the existing group. So I
would like to pose the question to those who have signed up as to
whether we need this group to be distinct from the existing HG list.
If you feel we do need it to be distinct, I think we need to make some
sort of "charter" or something like that that will make it clear why
we need it and how it differs from the existing list (other than in
being just more restricted).

So opinions please.

-Arle

[George Leverett-Altarwind Music]

Whether or not this group is needed as a separate entity will likely only
become known as we see how much usage it gets over time.

I don't think this list is a disservice to the overall HG community (at
least any more than any other list is). It just addresses a certain
segment of the HG community, much like some of the other online groups that
cater to hurdy gurdy enthusiasts (one example is the group for players in
the midwest). I think the increasing number of lists is a testament to the
growing popularity of these instruments. Harpers have many lists to be a
part of, as do bagpipers, dulcimer players, etc. Perhaps the Hurdy Gurdy
community will one day be as large?

Just my two cents
Respectfully
George

[Tony]

Hi Arle,

>this group was doing a disservice to the broader community

That might be the case but the HG groups are primarily for the playing
community and have very limited relevance for the builder.

Many of the builders on the HG groups are well established and have
a very restricted interest in innovation or experimentation for its
own
sake, they do what they do and they do it very well but the building
advice that I received was often of the 'It is too difficult for the
amateur
to attempt' variety. or 'this is the way it's done' And to be fair,
the
professional builders on the group have little time to offer detailed
advice.

I imagine anyone interested in any aspect of the HG will belong to a
number of groups, another one makes very little difference in time or
trouble and in this case I'm more concerned in my interests rather
than that of the 'broader community'

Regards, Tony