DIANA-logue ~~~ right path vs. easy path
I know what you are thinking...didn't she JUST post a Diana-logue? What is she fired up about this time? Well...this is a li'l different. I want to talk about the right path vs. the easy path. Someone who I respect explained this theory to me. The idea is that most people take the easy path, don't ask many questions, don't rock the boat and certainly don't stir the pot. You may not like the status quo but, to keep peace, you keep your feelings to yourself.
A brave few choose the right path...it may be lonely sometimes but, for the greater good, you do what you know is right. Maybe you won't be part of the popular group, your phone won't ring quite as often and, on occasion, those fearful of your courage will try to discredit you and your beliefs. That is all fine and good because you can sleep well, knowing you stand for something. And that something that is more important than the trivial and mundane.
Many property owners support this blog and for this I am truly grateful. Some have shared with me that a few of their neighbors and friends have expressed dismay and even hostility because of this. I really think its surprising that someone who doesn't like my blog (and that's their right), would then try to impose those feelings on everyone else. This blog just gives you information, and from there you should make up your own mind.
The information on the blog is fun & informative, and provided so you, as property owners, can further enjoy your experience of Alpine Lake. A lot of the stories are just for fun; recipes, funny pictures, yummy dishes, jokes, etc. But some articles are a little more hard hitting; smoking ban, assessment info, hunting in Alpine, etc. There is quite a mix to browse through. But remember, all that information has to do with life at Alpine Lake. The good, the bad, and the controversial. As property owners, you have a right to know what's going on.
A while ago, one poster said how the blog was the "written equivalent of talking over the back fence with neighbors", well how often do you get to talk to your Alpine neighbors? This blog gives every property owner a chance to express their opinions and concerns in a way that all will hear. And trust me, people are looking. Over 900 different computers have accessed the blog some 45,000 times. Over and over, people are looking. You may say why so few posts? Well, maybe the numbers say it all. Maybe the blog is a victim of its own success. Because when you post a comment, its going to be seen by many. And that's the point of this DIANA-logue ... sometimes you have to take the right path and say what needs to be said.
Diana, Huzzah! Stay the course.
You are right. Sometimes one's passion for what is right, what is good, what can be a benefit to others, etc. can make that person open to criticism. Politicians face this all the time. So did our founding fathers, Martin Luther King, Jr, and many others. However, if you believe you are doing the right thing, then you can rest well knowing you have done your best. I am of the mind that communication and information sharing are valuable commodities. The more I learn from others, the better informed I will be. So, keep on plugging. Many others will join the blog and make contributions along the way. And then, when we meet, either over the fence or over the blog, we will know and understand our neighbors that much better.
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I agree 100% with you.
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One must take the path that is true to oneself, even if it is lonely and is in the force of strong criticism from many others, and it's not always an easy stand to take. That is one's choice. Easy paths are not always the just and right paths. Check out our founding fathers and see if they had it easy, but they had it RIGHT. Others also have the opportunity to voice their view, if they wish. It's a free country with freedom of speech built in. You live in a fantastic, unique community with a strong under-current of diversity and opinions. That's what makes it fantastic and unique. If everyone were to chose the "easy path", imagine the ultimate outcome. Let the other guy do it, they say. Get in there an voice your opinion. Get involved. Get moving. If you don't, do not place the blame on the person who IS getting involved if your community takes a turn for the worse or if things occur which you don't agree with. If you say, "I'm only one person, what can I do?", you have already admitted defeat. Get that fire in your belly and speak up, for or against, and be fair. The blog is designed to be fun and informative. If you don't want to have fun or be informed, don't read it! By the way, how did folks communicate before this blog? Kudos to the person/persons who gave birth to the idea of a community blog.
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Providing a venue for communication, open and free speech at Alpine Lake
was a brilliant idea.
A quote I've heard repeated many times here at Alpine is "Get R Done", and you did!
The blog,in my opinion, is the best thing that has happened at Alpine Lake in a very long time. I can only ask, why didn't someone do this sooner?
Anyway,many thanks and support from all of us to you, "the Blogmaster" for bringing us into the age of technology.
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Agree completely with your thoughts and with the others, really appreciate the time and energy you are putting into this endeavor. The more viewpoints the better to see all sides of any discussion. Thanks for the opportunity to get involved.
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I'm just joining the neighborhood and the blog but I think it's a great way to get to know some of my new friends and neighbors. Thank you for making it available. It's interesting to hear what the hot buttons are around Alpine.
I agree with encouraging people to speak their mind. I'm a firm believer in participating in discussions and decisions. If I don't then I figure I don't have a right to complain about the decision or action taken. It's easy to criticize from the sidelines but much more fun to be in the middle of the action.
Once I get to know Alpine and all of you better you'll probably hear more from me then you ever wanted to. In the mean time I'll keep reading and learning.
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I like this blog. It's about Alpine Lake COMMUNITY. We look forward to getting more plugged in as time goes on (new cabin owners). For now, this is the next best thing for a long-distance newbie. For those who disagree with the content on occasion, be thankful that you took the moment to review your position and know that you are comfortable with it. If we were never challenged in what we think, we would not grow in our convictions or might miss the opportunity to view something in a new and different way. This blog aids all of us in that process.
To critics of the blog, notice that most of the criticisms in this blog contain either legitimate questions or offer suggestions for something different. That is good, and should never be considered otherwise. So, why does dissent bother you? It is an American tradition and value. It is what set us free from the yoke of an oppressive monarchy, and from some of our own failings. Take the opportunity to express your own dissent with the content of the blog, rather than ranting against its existence; you might even help someone to gain a better understanding of an issue. You would be serving your fellow Alpine Lakers - to which I'd say thank you.
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To Steve, Thanks for your insightful comments. I agree with you. All opinions and viewpoints from our fellow property owners are of value. One may not always agree, but should appreciate one's right and ability to voice differing thoughts and be respected for those thoughts. And when I hear a different perspective from someone, I gain better understanding of the issue. I may or may not change my opinion. But that doesn't matter. The fact that I had an opportunity to listen to and try to understand the opposing view makes me a more informed citizen of our community. Please continue to contribute to this blog. It is just in its infancy. As time goes on, we will all learn to know and appreciate each other better through this communication vehicle. Look forward to hearing from you again.
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Just as I learned that emailing was better than playing phone tag, I'm also finding that blogging is convenient with communicating with fellow property owners. When we were lot owners our communication was very limited with what went on here. Board meetings were not always open and info was always after the fact. By the time we received the newsletter via mail the decisions and occurances had already happened. We had no input, and did not know why or how the decisions were made. We just had to live with the consequences whether good or bad, whether we agreed or not. The FWIW was started as a means of communication between property owners and is very beneficial but it doesn't give us the opportunity to have as much input as the blogging does. I think this is terrific ( and addictive). We've come a long way over the last 30+ years. The open board meetings are wonderful but not all property owners can attend and if everyone that wanted to voice their opinion or ask for info did, we would need more than an hour or two. But with this blog you can have a voice, express a concern, hear a different opinion, and know how and why the decisions are made. The blog can be another very useful tool just like the committees, the suggestion box, and emails for the board and general manager to get info. The blog helps us get to know our neighbors despite our individual point in time or location demands. I like it. Thank you for another means of communication.
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To everyone reading this blog, especially new visitors. This blog is not an official ALPOA publication vehicle. It is in no way sponsored by our property owner's association or general manager. It is a personal blog of Diana's. She has created it because she feels, and many of us agree, that real time blog information and conversations about our community is of value. The "official" ALPOA communication vehicles are the monthly newsletter, FWIW and the website.
Since you are already using the blog, you know that anyone can create one and use it for personal reasons. Therefore, to anyone who feels this website does not represent his/her viewpoints, consider creating your own blog. In fact, more blogs concerning Alpine Lake might be a healthy thing. We are a diverse community with a diversity of interests, talents, needs and opinions. So bring in on!
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One thing bothers me; the 'official' publications still contain the editor's comments/opinions and offer no space for property owner comments or suggestions.
Also, the website, well let's just say the 'official' website leaves much to be desired.
At least this blog gives us a chance to express ourselves, and for that I appreciate it!
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This says it all... and its a little funny!
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I am really enjoying the blog. Living in Alpine Lake on our special weekends, holidays and most of the summer I just love to visualize my home, our beautiful lake and mountain view, the peace that abounds and the nature that surrounds everyone brings me much happiness even when we're not there. The blog helps me to do that.
As with any media we all must take the good and bad in it and decide individually how it impacts our lives. I choose to do it my way and not the way of the masses. Enjoy the blog for what it is and smile.
Thank you for the blog, I'll sort out the rest.
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I, too, like the blog. So long as we keep its import and impact in perspective, there is no need for anyone to feel threatened by the ideas expressed in here. Why fear the blog? Does it threaten your investment? Does it threaten your position within our community? If not, why would it bother you? As for the criticism of the blog, it's just as legitimate as the blog itself. Don't fear the criticism. When I was a senior in high school, a teacher upset me greatly by criticizing my father at length in front of my entire class. I went home teary eyed and angry to tell my dad. I'll never forget what he told me. "Coming from some people, criticism is a form of praise. If you don't want people to talk about you, do nothing and be nothing."
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Found your blog today. My wife and I just spent the better part of the evening looking around it. She just printed a few recipe's.
However, I'm not sure how I found it. Has the blog site been mentioned in any of our news letters or did I just miss it?
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Hi Brian. Welcome to the blog.
Since I started the blog almost 2 months ago, I've tried to get the word out to as many property owners as possible. And I asked the editors of both the Newsletter and the FWIW to post the site so property owners would have access to it. However, both refused to print it. So, I have filled out an order form and submitted a check for an ad in the upcoming Newsletter. In the meantime, pass the site on to anyone you know who has an interest in Alpine.
Feel free to browse the articles, and post some comments if you like. You'll see there's quite a mix of stories for property owners to check out.
And I'd like to thank all my blog supporters who've passed the info to others.
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Diana,
keep up the good work...it is VERY appreciated by MANY at alp.
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