Threading

Threading

your thoughts

A series of emails posted on a common topic is called a thread. Some political threads can be very energetic. Human nature being what it is, can sometimes cause some participants to strive to have the final word. The point of a thread may have been made long ago, but it still goes on in search of the “last word.”

Members who read the threads but never post are known as lurkers. Lurkers are always invited to participate and share their ideas. Some people lurk because simply reading about what is going on in the community is enough. For some lurkers, intimidation may be the reason for not posting.

We have come a long way, depending on your point of view. With the relatively new convenience of the internet, friends and neighbors don’t need to leave home to meet. Technology has brought us the modem telephone systems, cell phones, computers and fax machines.

When you call Aunt Mary for her recipe for a special stew, she can send it in an email or zap it over in a fax, never going out the door. Voice and video chat with friends, or even strangers, half way around the world is possible. And it’s virtually free save for a monthly fee to an internet provider.

“Rappnet is working very well at its current level,” said B.L. Catron, “at any given time there are a dozen or 20 active posters, and the group tends to rotate over time as people come and go.”

According to Catron, most of the subscribers are new to the county and many are selfemployed or retired.

“Lots of people don’t relish spending their time in front of the computer, Catron continued, “hut I’d expect that the ‘civic forum’ aspect of Rappnet will continue to be refined, and more and more people will rely on it as a neighborly party line:”

If all of this appeals to you, you too can chatter away with the folks in the hills and hollows of Rappahannock County.

Tb become a member log on at rappnet@crosslink.net.

Jan Clatterbuck may be reached a jclatterbuck@timespapers.com