Cohousing-L Mailing List: Re: Arrogance

[Buzz Burrell (72253.2101]

Harry proposed a designing a "Volkswagon House", and Rob swallowed the bait,
adding the concern that regional and even local code variations make a uniform
design difficult.  HP responded:
>Rob
>I really know what point you are trying to make---is it a "it can't be done"
>theme?  ...
>Again, Building, Electrical, and Plumbing  Codes are pretty uniform across
>Canada and the USA.
 
Rob made factual reports of major code variations in his area, and Harry came
back with what seems to be his usual blanket, unsubstantiated statement, which
ignored Rob's posting and all opinions and facts except his own (and of course,
Jan Gehl's, whatever they may be ;-).

I have to confess, I am weary of this form of communication.  My tolerance for
what I percieve to be arrogance has hit the redline.  (Warning:  I am a bit
pissed off;  children under 16 should stop reading here).

I have certainly observed huge variations in the Code, which is a well-known
situation (and topic of complaint and bitterness, as Rob described) in the
building industry.  Some of the major differences that exist:  The ability to
use any earth materials;  The use of a floating foundation system;  Allowing
load bearing walls out of any material besides concrete or wood.  The absolute
legality of these three factors literally and factually varies within walking
distance of my house!  Needless to say, what is and isn't allowed makes a
gigantic difference in the design and cost of any new structure.

However, this is an example but not the point of my posting.  Instead, my
current feeling is that having a reasonable, polite, and helpfull dialogue on
this, or any other subject with Harry seems to be difficult, at least at my
limited tolerance level.  I would have to say that Harry's goal on this list
seems to be to convince everyone that he is Right, and then attack, brush off,
or negatively insinuate anyone with a different experience, sometimes also
questioning their personal integrity or motivation.  

As it happens, I often agree with many of Harry's ideas.  I think he has a
refreshing and innovative perspective, and good hands-on experience.  But his
opinions certainly aren't equivelent to fact, and the perspective is being made
hard to swallow by the aggressive presentation.  Actually, I share his D.I.Y.
philosophy enough to be concerned that he is hurting his/my philosophy more than
helping it, by what seems to be a combative, flippant and arrogant style of
presentation.

As a communitarian, the process is as important to me as anything.  I'm very
interested in construction knowledge, and want to learn more and keep discussing
it, but this is not a construction List, it is for community (cohousing).  The
values inherent in community include respect for others, knowing that one has
only one's own piece of the truth, and therefor what we create together is
beyond our individual knowledge or control.  This group process is inherent in
everything we do, including our communications.  I view this List as another
Community for me, not just a forum for info (or arguments), and therefor it
should function under the same values and goals as our own local communities.

Although it certainly sounds this way, my intent here was not to critisize
Harry;  rather he has complained a few times in recent weeks that he is being
ignored, and asked why.  I didn't respond at that time, following the "If you
can't say anything nice don't say anything at all" rule, but now I realize that
there also is dishonesty in not giving him the respect by giving him the answere
to his question.  

So, due to the above personal considerations, I feel I need to clear the air and
officially say that I am not going to read any of Harry's postings.  This is the
best solution for me.  Reading them just got too unpleasant;  the negativity
overwhelmed the value.  I needed to say that on this List, and give my reasons,
so Harry will know what is going on.  I definitely questioned, as others might
have also, whether venting my frustrations publically was the best thing to do,
but being honest and up-front seemed to be the most appropriate course of
action.

I hope that was OK Harry;  keep up your good work.  I appreciate and value it,
and certainly appreciate your committment to logical housing, innovative
research based only on what works, ability to cut through the crap of
how-it's-suppossed-to-be-done, and passion gained by fighting the entrenched and
sometimes self serving powers-that-be.  Your perspective and ability is very
much needed.  I sympathize with all the frustration you must be feeling;  the
building industry can be a tough environment for someone who just wants to do it
simple and do it right, and then discovers that in doing so, one is at odds with
the established powers.

However, it might be more effective to your goals to take out any frustrations
on the perpetrators rather than us;  we are not your enemy, and it's not helpful
to be treated as such.  We are just explorers, figuring out Community with
openess, honesty, usually (speaking of myself) humility, and a hopefull if not
positive attitude and outlook.


Best Wishes to All,                     
I really like this List!                


--      O       Buzz Burrell  |  72253.2101 [at] compuserve.com
  --   <^-          The Republic of Boulder (Colorado)
--   -\/\               "Time flies like an arrow;
         \               fruit flies like a banana".