I also think that some long-time posters that have met over the years feel like family and see some of the more "junior" members as interlopers in their "home".
Comments are often made about the "good old days" when JWD was full of smart people.
It is often lamented that it is currently inhabited by a bunch of idiots that pale in comparison to the glorious ones of yesteryear.
" These brothers today just aren't as zealous. Remember when we'd be out in service till dark? Alot of these newer ones quit at noon. They don't prepare for the meetings. They're not as loving...blah, blah, blah."
I've seen in it every company I ever worked with or for.
" These new guys suck. Remember So-And-So? Now he knew his job! They don't make them like that anymore."
I try to be aware of these pre-existing relationships and show respect and deference to all.
I really respect the guy who said this, it's a point I see people bring up a lot. I think about it too. There is one guy in particular that I consider to have helped me beyond anything that could be typed here, simply because of the way he communicates and his obvious intelligence. He says things that make me feel like an idiot. But some people think he's an asshole. Most of them are pretty insecure about themselves from what I have seen, but that's just my opinion, I could be wrong.
I've also been one of the guys that people talk about, not here because I'm never here and don't really add much of substance I'm sure, but at something I am very good at. And it's a fact, I'm damn good and most people get intimidated around me in my environment. That's just the point though, if you take me out of that and put me on a hockey team, I'm gonna get killed.
Some people are gifted in speach, writing, research, and communication. At one time there was a lot of these people who coincidentally came on around the same time and were working their way out of the truth. Some of them were friends or knew people who brought each other on in one way or another, and had a lot in common. It's not really an insult to people here in my opinion if they are remembered as being smart, but rather a comment that shows these guys are missed because they had a knack for putting things in a way that struck right to the core of what we needed.
As far as it being human nature, is there really anything wrong with referring to someone as an example, setting the bar at a different level? I used to get miffed at people younger than me who were more recognized or did better work, but then it hit me, who's fault is it? Is is the observers fault? Is it the guy who does better work or puts in more time than me's fault? If I don't like it or am offended, it's my fault, no one elses. If I don't like it or want to be better than they are, I check them out, see what they did that was so great, and most of the time I learn something that makes me better.
I don't really think any of the "Old Posters" here consider the newer ones to be transient or interlopers, but they each have to say that for themselves. I don't even know if I'm an Old Poster, but I've been here long enough to see a lot of cycles and people who do their thing and are great, and eventually move along, having helped some on the way.
Pride is a killer. I've seen a lot of great talent do to waste worrying about being as good as someone else, or looked over because the Golden Boy got all the glory. The truth is the the "smart people" have never to my knowledge called themselves the "smart people", a large number of other people did. It's like the guy who has to remind everyone he's the best there is...if you are then you don't have to say so.
So I guess my point is that instead of feeling slighted, maybe it would help to rememeber that there is always someone stronger, smarter, or better. And if someone left enough of an impression that years later folks still remember them, go read their stuff, because it really is that damn good. I'll give an example that I'm sure no one will argue with. Farkel. The guy is completely original and has posted some of the best work here. I'll never be him, really don't care to be, but I am happy that he cared enough to write a ton of stuff that I can use to help people coming out of the org.
Someone else being really good at something doesn't devalue the next person. People referring to it may indicate that there is a void to be filled. Maybe it is the same as asking for us to dig a little deeper and come out with some really good heart felt writing like these guys used to do.
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WLG