Colleagues: I think this is reaching a ridiculous level of sometimes spiteful retorts. It seems the effort to involve newer (perhaps younger) members of our profession was well-intentioned, but it seems to be taken by some as a slap in the face. There is nothing wrong with being a new-cum-young museum professional looking for a forum to discuss issues that are most pressing for them. Perhaps it doesn't need to reach the level of a special ICOM membership committee. But I'll be damned if I would let anybody tell me that what I think and what I want are unnecessary and I should just learn "to get along". Also, there is nothing wrong in being old...unless that elder status is evidenced by outmoded and defensive thinking. Let's get it together people. It is precisely this deteriorating tenor of discussion that causes members to think cautiously about where they put their time, talent and energy. If committees are not responsive to the membership then they should change. It is unfortunately an experience some of us elder ICOM members feel too. So let's get on with positive change and stop trying to tell people what they can and cannot do. That above all things is what makes ICOM's best less than what it can be. The organization needs to be alive and vibrant and effective, and it needs all of us to accomplish that goal. We move once again toward the light, don't you think? Claudia Polley In a message dated 9/1/2005 1:00:04 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, [log in to unmask] writes: Young professional group What's the problem in being young, Mario? Napoléon conquered Italy at the age of 27. As far as I know he did not join a young generals' professional development group. Ian Jones CAMOC museums of cities - a very young International Committee, just a few months old. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ -- 2 Kelvedon Road London SW6 5BW Tel: 020 7731 6012 [log in to unmask] www.cja-arts.com - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Change ICOM-L subscription options, unsubscribe, and search the archives at: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/icom-l.html - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Change ICOM-L subscription options, unsubscribe, and search the archives at: http://home.ease.lsoft.com/archives/icom-l.html