On Nov. 02 Robt. A. Baron said: >While this new diversity has had beneficial effects in terms of broadening >its appeal, at the same time, I believe, the new MCN has made it more >difficult for like-minded members to form and sustain sub-communities. If >the MCN listserv ever develops into a busy forum for communication like >museum-l or vra-l, it may be possible to sustain the kind of specialized >discussions appropriate to groups sharing narrow interest areas. > >In this regard, I disagree with the policy of limiting the listserv to MCN >members only. Were it completely open, I believe, aside from informing >members of MCN affairs, it would serve a double duty as a means of >communication with non-MCN individuals and institutions. Through their >involvement in the listserv, they may discover causes for joining MCN. > I agree with Robert Baron and would like my voice added to those hoping MCN will open the listserv to non-members. I, like many from small museums cannot afford all the subscriptions we would like to have. For us listservs help us to stay in touch and informed. I also think we from time to time contribute to the thoughtfullness that characterizes much of the discussion on museum-l and other listservs. Please, Please consider your poorer comrades in museums. And yes I would like to join MCN eventually. Richard Shockley Ft. Hamilton, Whoop-Up Interpretive Centre P.O. Box 1074 Lethbridge AB. T1J 4A2 Canada 403-329-0444 [log in to unmask]