Benefits of Being a Groupie?

[Gwen H]

Okay, for all the benefit of the Christian-haters out there, I did not
mention my Christianity for the purposes of preaching at anyone, parading my
righteousness (which by the way doesn't exist - I'm very human and very
imperfect), or doing anything else that would offend anyone. Mr. Lesandrini
seemed to think I didn't realize there were non-tangible benefits to helping
other people without tangible compensation such as money. I was simply trying
to point out that I'd already thought of that. I think anyone who tries to
live a life that benefits the common good in some way, whether they be
agnostic, atheist, Christian, Muslim, Jew, Buddhist, etc., will easily
understand the non-tangible benefits of helping other people.

Enough said!

 

[James A. Fortune]

It pretty much seems that the consensus on here from the answerers is that
they're *less* likely to be Christian than the average person (particularly
the average American--my British husband is constantly amazed at American
religiousness). So, is that because:

1) Question-answering posters are less likely to be American, and hence from
countries where religion is less dominant

2) The ability to answer questions comes from taking the information you're
given, slicing it up, rejecting pieces that don't work, synthesizing pieces
that do work, and putting it all together to come up with something that
solves the problem (the truth?). If this is the foundation of question
answering, it would seem to be the antithesis of faith (assuming something
that is logically inconsistent is the truth anyway).

3) Some other factor I haven't considered, like Christians who answer
questions know other people think that trumpeting your Christianity on this
type of forum isn't appropriate, and hence have kept out of the discussion?

Just wondering;

Amy

Why do I help people with Access questions? Most of the time I am
simply trying to be a responsible professional who realizes that these
forums are a great way to learn to do my job better. I am a Christian,
but that's not usually why I answer people's questions when I can. I
have at times helped people because I believe that I'll get a future
reward in the afterlife. If I help people for that reason, then my
motivation is not much different than anyone else's except that faith is
involved. I have helped people out of a true spirit of altruism at
times and understand that non-Christians are not prevented from doing
likewise. Sometimes I get paid for the time spent answering questions
because my main employer has graciously given me a lot of latitude.
Sometimes I answer a question because the person asked nicely or
explained their problem well. Sometimes I just can't stand how badly
someone has messed up a solution. Sometimes I post to get a reputation.
No reward in Heaven for that since I got my reward here .
Sometimes I want to see someone learn something about Access. Sometimes
I feel the need to give back some of the knowledge I have gained through
reading NG's. Sometimes I don't answer a question because I think of
someone else who will probably answer it better. I guess every question
is different and so are my motivations for answering them. Maybe I
should even stop posting.

James A. Fortune
(e-mail address removed)

 

[SusanV]

1) Question-answering posters are less likely to be American, and hence

from countries where religion is less dominant

Do you honestly believe this? Wow. Just... wow. I'm not sure WHAT to think
about THAT one


Personally, I help out in the MS ngs (Access and Exchange server) because:
a. It keeps me sharp
b. There's *always* something more to learn
c. I don't believe in being "one-way" - people have helped me immensely,
saving me time and frustration, and I believe in repaying that by helping
another when possible.
d. As Rick said - it beats actually working <wink>

Note that NONE of the above have anything to do with religious beliefs,
which, IMHO, have no place in this forum.

 

[SusanV]

Nicely put - and PLEASE don't stop posting!!

;-D

SusanV

 

[John Vinson]

Way back just after MS left Compuserve and set up their own
newsgroups some bloke on Compuserve called Vinson answered a
question of mine that helped me a lot.

I've been trying to get my own back ever since <g>.

"IT'S NOT MY FAULT!!! Don't blame your addiction on me!!" <g>

John W. Vinson[MVP]

 

[Phillip Windell]

Do you honestly believe this? Wow. Just... wow. I'm not sure WHAT to think
about THAT one

And then there is this one...

Wouldn't this be subject to the "involved" person's ability to be logically
accuarte in their interpretation of what is consistantly logical? If there
logic is flawed or biased, then they would be logically inconsistant (or was
that illogically consistant?) in their interpretation of what is logically
inconsistant (or was that consistantly illogical?) which would then mean the
person "of faith" could really be the one who is faithfully logical (or was
that faithfully consistant).

Hmmm....ya jist never know,....

Sorry, I could pass that up,.....now,...Enough OT you guys!!! ;-)

--
Phillip Windell [MCP, MVP, CCNA]
www.wandtv.com
-----------------------------------------------------
Understanding the ISA 2004 Access Rule Processing
http://www.isaserver.org/articles/ISA2004_AccessRules.html

Microsoft Internet Security & Acceleration Server: Guidance
http://www.microsoft.com/isaserver/techinfo/Guidance/2004.asp
http://www.microsoft.com/isaserver/techinfo/Guidance/2000.asp

Microsoft Internet Security & Acceleration Server: Partners
http://www.microsoft.com/isaserver/partners/default.asp

Deployment Guidelines for ISA Server 2004 Enterprise Edition
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/isa/2004/deploy/dgisaserver.mspx
-----------------------------------------------------

 

[SusanV]

Hey Phil long time no see!

Jeez, what the heck are you trying to do here - I got about halfway through
that and my head spun around like in the Exorcist LOL. Now I gots a
brain-ache, heh heh. Yes enough OT...

Have a Merry Christmas!!

Susan

Do you honestly believe this? Wow. Just... wow. I'm not sure WHAT to
think
about THAT one

And then there is this one...

Wouldn't this be subject to the "involved" person's ability to be
logically
accuarte in their interpretation of what is consistantly logical? If there
logic is flawed or biased, then they would be logically inconsistant (or
was
that illogically consistant?) in their interpretation of what is logically
inconsistant (or was that consistantly illogical?) which would then mean
the
person "of faith" could really be the one who is faithfully logical (or
was
that faithfully consistant).

Hmmm....ya jist never know,....

Sorry, I could pass that up,.....now,...Enough OT you guys!!! ;-)

--
Phillip Windell [MCP, MVP, CCNA]
www.wandtv.com
-----------------------------------------------------
Understanding the ISA 2004 Access Rule Processing
http://www.isaserver.org/articles/ISA2004_AccessRules.html

Microsoft Internet Security & Acceleration Server: Guidance
http://www.microsoft.com/isaserver/techinfo/Guidance/2004.asp
http://www.microsoft.com/isaserver/techinfo/Guidance/2000.asp

Microsoft Internet Security & Acceleration Server: Partners
http://www.microsoft.com/isaserver/partners/default.asp

Deployment Guidelines for ISA Server 2004 Enterprise Edition
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/isa/2004/deploy/dgisaserver.mspx

 

[Phillip Windell]

Jeez, what the heck are you trying to do here - I got about halfway through
that and my head spun around like in the Exorcist LOL. Now I gots a
brain-ache, heh heh. Yes enough OT...

Have a Merry Christmas!!

hmm...now that would be "faith",....but it's 3 days from Dec 25th,....so it
would be "logical",....ack!! see I can't stop now!,...somebody stop meeee!

<hehe> Anyway,...thanks Susan, have a good one too!

I couldn't afford my "trip" I mentioned,...but a certain gal on the east
coast said you had a "house",...maybe I'll try again in the summer and
invade your area }

 

[Amy Blankenship]

I was just postulating possible reasons for the responses. Not saying any
of them are the reason...

 

[Amy Blankenship]

I was brought up Southern Baptist, and their definition of Faith is to
believe even if it doesn't make sense. They believe that things that
challenge their doctrine and inconsistencies of the doctrine itself are
there to test their faith. That was what my comment was referring to.

Hope this clarifies;

Amy

Do you honestly believe this? Wow. Just... wow. I'm not sure WHAT to
think
about THAT one

And then there is this one...

Wouldn't this be subject to the "involved" person's ability to be
logically
accuarte in their interpretation of what is consistantly logical? If there
logic is flawed or biased, then they would be logically inconsistant (or
was
that illogically consistant?) in their interpretation of what is logically
inconsistant (or was that consistantly illogical?) which would then mean
the
person "of faith" could really be the one who is faithfully logical (or
was
that faithfully consistant).

Hmmm....ya jist never know,....

Sorry, I could pass that up,.....now,...Enough OT you guys!!! ;-)

--
Phillip Windell [MCP, MVP, CCNA]
www.wandtv.com
-----------------------------------------------------
Understanding the ISA 2004 Access Rule Processing
http://www.isaserver.org/articles/ISA2004_AccessRules.html

Microsoft Internet Security & Acceleration Server: Guidance
http://www.microsoft.com/isaserver/techinfo/Guidance/2004.asp
http://www.microsoft.com/isaserver/techinfo/Guidance/2000.asp

Microsoft Internet Security & Acceleration Server: Partners
http://www.microsoft.com/isaserver/partners/default.asp

Deployment Guidelines for ISA Server 2004 Enterprise Edition
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/isa/2004/deploy/dgisaserver.mspx

 

[Phillip Windell]

I was brought up Southern Baptist, and their definition of Faith is to
believe even if it doesn't make sense. They believe that things that
challenge their doctrine and inconsistencies of the doctrine itself are
there to test their faith. That was what my comment was referring to.

My background is also Baptist, with a little bit of Bible College training.
I was just having a bit of fun with the comments. I used to debate a lot
with atheists, evolutionists and a few agnostic family members. The debates
were fun for a while,..not much interested in them anymore. I got to the
point where I decided that what they believe is "their problem" and I'm not
responsible beyond telling them my belief "once" the first time. Now I only
get exited when they force their "stuff" on me via the legal system and the
courts.

Not interested in an OT subject like this, at least not here.. Was only
making a couple comments in fun.

--
Phillip Windell [MCP, MVP, CCNA]
www.wandtv.com
-----------------------------------------------------
Understanding the ISA 2004 Access Rule Processing
http://www.isaserver.org/articles/ISA2004_AccessRules.html

Microsoft Internet Security & Acceleration Server: Guidance
http://www.microsoft.com/isaserver/techinfo/Guidance/2004.asp
http://www.microsoft.com/isaserver/techinfo/Guidance/2000.asp

Microsoft Internet Security & Acceleration Server: Partners
http://www.microsoft.com/isaserver/partners/default.asp

Deployment Guidelines for ISA Server 2004 Enterprise Edition
http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/isa/2004/deploy/dgisaserver.mspx
-----------------------------------------------------

 

[Sylvain Lafontaine]

I think that the people here answers the questions is because they love what
they are doing as their work.

If you like (love) boats, dogs or cats, then you will like to talk about
boats, dogs or cats, learn something new about them and teach others, too.
In the same way, someone who loves Access and his line of work will love
talking about them. Peoples here as passionate peoples, nothing else.

I don't think that you will find here many answers from people who works
with Access but doesn't like it or doesn't like their work.

 

[SusanV]

You're always more than welcome - since I don't go to the Summits any more I
never get to see any of you guys
=(

 

[SusanV]

I can't believe that you stated that someone is less likely to be helpful
based on whether or not they're American. Or religious. Sounds pretty
bigoted to me.

Whatever, nevermind, who cares. <shrug>

 

[Amy Blankenship]

I didn't say that. None of these statements were intended to be "This is my
opinion of why these responses were given." What they were, instead is
"these are possible logical explanations of why more people have stepped
forward to say they are NOT Christian. I don't know whether ANY of them are
true. Let's throw them out and see what happens."

Though to be quite honest, my *opinion* is that more logical, analytical
people are less likely to be the type to just parrot back established
doctrine. If they do have religious beliefs, they are more likely to be a
synthesis of a variety of sources rather than just the party line they were
taught as a child. So I think many such people would be hesitant to
identify themselves as a particular religion or denomination. I also think
that number 3 had a large part in the lack of people stepping forward saying
"yeah, I answer because I'm a devout Christian too."

Hope this clarifies;

Amy

 

[Phillip Windell]

doctrine. If they do have religious beliefs, they are more likely to be a
synthesis of a variety of sources rather than just the party line they were
taught as a child.

Your forgetting another type. There is the well-read, well-learned, ones who
do not parrot any "party line they were taught as a child",...but do not use
a "synthesis of a variety of sources" either,...they use a single source
only and consider that single source to be the bible. They may consider
other sources to contain useful information, but the other sources are not
"authoratative" and never "trump" the bible.

 

[Amy Blankenship]

Your forgetting another type. There is the well-read, well-learned, ones
who
do not parrot any "party line they were taught as a child",...but do not
use
a "synthesis of a variety of sources" either,...they use a single source
only and consider that single source to be the bible. They may consider
other sources to contain useful information, but the other sources are not
"authoratative" and never "trump" the bible.

I'd like to believe there are people answering questions here who consider
the Koran, the Talmud, and many other religious texts every bit as
authoritative as you consider the Bible. But of course those people would
of course constitute another group who are less than eager to step forward
and identify themselves as Christian

-Amy

 

[Larry G.]

OK let me clarify now... I am not a Christian-hater. I hate people who feel
it is necessary to foist their morality and beliefs on an entire society and
then claim that they have a divine mandate to do so. I also hate people who
feel that anyone who does not worship Jesus Christ is going to burn in hell
for all eternity. People that also bug me are those that say any religion
that does not have Jesus at its center is devil worship. In short I am tired
of small minded individuals who take things that they are told at face value
rather than question ideas espoused by some charasmatic idiot with a "degree"
in Theology from a self-acredited christian university. Remember the whole
"Sponge-Bob is gay" debalce? Keith Olberman shared with his viewers some of
the moronic emails he got from the followers of "Dr." James Dobson, that were
word for word what the good "Dr." had asked his loyal listeners to write to
Mr. Olberman. So no - I am not a Chrisitian-hater, but to praphrase so many
"good people", I hate the idiocy, not the idiot.

Larry

 

[Larry G.]

One of my favorite jokes:
Q: Why do old people go to church?
A: They are studying for their finals.

 

[Phillip Windell]

I'm afraid you will have to just become a Christian Hater and be done with
it.
Everything you said you "hate" (excepet for the Sponge Bob thing) is exactly
Biblical Christian Theology.

According to the Book they follow:
1. They have to spead their beliefs to the whole world (not just a single
"society")
2. Anyone not accepting Jesus Christ will burn in Hell
3. Any religion not according to Jesus Christ is a false religious system

Since you hate those things you are forced to be a Christian hater. It is
also the same situation with Islam, just swap the name Allah into the above
three points, but the three points remain the same. So you would be forced
to be a Muslim hater as well. I imagin a good number of the world's other
belief systems take the same or similar positions on those three things so
why worry about it.

I don't worry about it an don't expect it to be anything differenent than
what it its. I'm perfectly free to think I am the only one that is right if
that's what I choose to believe and as far as the others,..it just "their
problem, not mine". If I want to argue with them I can,... if I want to
ignore them I can too.