[Coco] The CoCo Crew Podcast -- Episode 81 is available!

[Glenside President (Jim Brain)]

You and your crew have every right to possess and express your opinions, 
regardless of your financial contribution to the club. Likewise, the 
club has every right to hold your media presence responsible and 
accountable for the material they present, opinion or not.

It is disappointing that simply noting data availability is seen as 
implying approval requirements. At no time was there even a hint of 
requirements to confer or seek approval.  I stated that data was and is 
available to permit a thoughtful discussion of opinions concerning 
finances, rationale for changes, etc.  I will admit accessing that data 
might require reaching out via email or DM, but a simple request for 
clarity or informational detail hardly conveys any expectations on an 
opinion. Some of the clarity could be gleaned by just reviewing the 
publicly available meeting recordings where the topics were discussed.

I stand by my statement concerning incorrect information. While the 
piece was not lengthy, inaccurate and untrue information was presented 
in a biased way. Replacing with correct and factual information just 
takes time away from the hobby and adds no value to the community.

I actually don't mind constructive criticism, as many people shared 
concerns when I took on this role in hopes of seeing improvements as 
time progressed. I also don't take the criticism (constructive or 
otherwise) personally. Leadership resources in a club or group agree to 
advocate for the group and defend the group against inaccurate or 
misleading material. Personally, my day job has sufficiently thickened 
my skin.  I notice the little digs directed at me in the podcast at 
times, and I simply chuckle and take the high road of ignoring them.

Though episode #38's host discussion makes very clear the group's 
position on tone and content of the podcast, I believe there were better 
ways to share your concerns in ways that retained your commentary 
flexibility but would not feel dismissive or belittling to volunteers 
like Grant Leighty or Eric Canales or the members of the club in general.

As to your view that feedback is a gift, I would counter that 
constructive feedback is truly a gift. I'm not sure how much of the host 
discussion was designed as feedback nor how much of that could be 
construed as constructive.

I'm sure the moderator of the mailing list and other list members tire 
easily of these arguments, so I apologize and will limit my response. 
While I remain ever hopeful that the podcast would treat negative 
opinions with more care, allowing that even poor choices in the hobby 
are often made with the best of intentions by everyday people trying to 
do the right thing; I am realistic in all things. It would be grand if 
future host discussions included folks firmly entrenched in the opposite 
position, allowing the topic a chance to be fully explored from both 
sides. At the very least, I'd wish future host discussions not focus on 
the perceived negative aspects of community actions, ending with the 
"Not trying to make anyone angry" byline as a "get out of jail free" 
card. Still, given how difficult it is to provide substantive and 
meaningful feedback that will be shared with your audience, there's 
little accountability leverage.

As we are at all times for anyone, should the podcast principals wish to 
discuss their concerns and gain clarity on the topics discussed, I and 
other GCCC officers are happy to engage.

Jim Brain

-- 
Jim Brain, 2021-22 President
Glenside Color Computer Club (GCCC)
president at glensideccc.com
www.glensideccc.com