Re: Proud Non-Member of the STC

[Bruce Byfield <bbyfield -at- AXIONET -dot- COM>]

barb -dot- ostapina -at- metromail -dot- com wrote:

>I noticed that you (Bruce) have been signing your emails with >"Proud non-member of the STC" and that struck me as odd. I >guess I'm a victim of the party line that says membership in a >professional organization related to your field of endeavor is >not only desirable, but important.

Wow - I don't look at my e-mail for a couple of days, and, the next
thing I know, a small phrase of mine has started a major thread.

In theory, I agree with you.

However, after an extremely unpleasant situation with the local chapter,
I have to conclude that the STC is not a professional association in any
meaningful sense of the word.

The basic fact is simple:

The STC was not there when I needed it.

In fact, from my experience, it appears that the STC at all levels is
more interested in preserving its own well-being than in helping its
members.

That I have a personal grievance, I freely admit.

However, I disagree so strongly with the STC's apparent philosophy that
I am deeply ashamed of having been as involved in the STC as I used to
be.

Of course, I miss the association with other writers. However, that
association was obviously shallow anyway, so I'm better off without it.

The STC people who are worth knowing are the ones I'm still in touch
with, and I have e-mail and classes to fill the gap. I even manage to
find chances to help other writers.

If I am poorer for not being a member of the STC any more, at least I
have my self-respect.

--
Bruce Byfield, Outlaw Communications
(bbyfield -at- axionet -dot- com)  (604) 421-7189  or 687-2133 X. 269
http://www.axionet.com/outlawcommunications

"And if my service is easily bought,
My faith has never been."
--The Men They Couldn't Hang, "Bounty Hunter"