A Word from Ricochet's Department of Hospitality Management
Some time ago on Ricochet we had a "Silent Members, Please Say Hello!" thread:
I happen to know--because I have inside information--that Ricochet has many members who have never left a comment. That's fine, of course. The beauty of the Internet is that it's not like Thanksgiving dinner with your in-laws. No one will get mad at you on the drive home because you just sat in front of the television the whole time and you didn't say a single word to Uncle Herbert, even though he drove all the way from Branson, Mo., and can't you make an effort with my family even once, just once a year?
But is there anyone out there who actually wants to join the conversation, but is just feeling a bit shy? If so, let me jump in with my superb hostess skills. Let's imagine this is a party, and you're the shy guest who's standing on the edge of the group, looking like you'd actually like to join in the conversation, but aren't quite sure how to begin. At this point I'll notice that, and because I have superb hostess skills, I'll say something that tactfully draws you in without focusing too much attention on you or embarrassing you. Something really graceful and socially-skilled.
And I happen to know, again because I have inside information, that since I wrote that we've acquired new members who have never left a comment. And that's still fine! There's a lot to be said for strong, silent types.
But if perhaps you're the strong, silent, shy type--and you're waiting for just the right moment to introduce yourself--let me break the ice. So, where are you from? What brings you to Ricochet?
It would be lovely, too, if the old, talkative members introduced themselves to the new, quiet ones.
To put yourself in the right spirit, imagine that I have just passed around the punchbowl for the third time.
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Comments:
Jul '10
Re: A Word from Ricochet's Department of Hospitality Management
So, what's Yer sign?
Re: A Word from Ricochet's Department of Hospitality Management
I am, apparently, still a Taurus despite the new Zodiac chart. What about you?
Mar '11
Re: A Word from Ricochet's Department of Hospitality Management
Mizz Berlinski,
That is the Southern Mizz not the PC Ms. Your gang has the best and most intellectual group of commentators I've ever witnessed -- all that and now social skills. In that first sentence I did not misspell "Not." My keyboard has just gone nuts.
Ron
Jul '10
Re: A Word from Ricochet's Department of Hospitality Management
I was an introverted Virgo, but Yer new chart tells Me I'm now a Leo.
I now wonder how today will be different......
Re: A Word from Ricochet's Department of Hospitality Management
Ron: Mizz Berlinski,
That is the Southern Mizz not the PC Ms. Your gang has the best and most intellectual group of commentators I've ever witnessed -- all that and now social skills. In that first sentence I did not misspell "Not." My keyboard has just gone nuts.
Ron · Apr 3 at 5:13am
Why, thank you! And where are you from?
Mar '11
Re: A Word from Ricochet's Department of Hospitality Management
Hi Claire,
Forgive the familiarity, but I feel acquainted by reading your posts and your absolutely great Thatcher book. I'm a pathologist working in D.C. but living in the Peoples Republic of Maryland (feeling totally powerless and inconsequential, surrounded by liberals) My wife and I are constantly trying to convert not only our kids but most of our friends who have yet to see the light. I admit that the erudition of the Ricochet community and the eminence of the editorial staff and podcast participants makes me reluctant to contribute, but someday I'll get up the courage. Suffice it to say that I look forward to the weekly podcasts and Ricochet is very high on on my bookmark list. Keep up the great work.
May '10
Re: A Word from Ricochet's Department of Hospitality Management
I'll jump in since I'm essentially restarting on Ricochet. I was an early member but the day job demands, two active young boys, and three boards of directors just didn't (and really still don't) allow time to keep up with the increasing velocity of comments on the threads. I continued to check in on the threads, but putting interesting new podcasts behind the paywall brought me back. I'll be able to drop comments every now and then. To the brand new members, it's easily worth the price and great fun. (Imagine a fully interactive subscription to National Review or Weekly Standard.)
Edited on April 3, 2011 at 2:44pmMay '10
Re: A Word from Ricochet's Department of Hospitality Management
Not to worry! There are also us total hacks who just go for volume! You can't help but look good standing next to us. Plus, chicks dig the accent, trust me.
May '10
Re: A Word from Ricochet's Department of Hospitality Management
Python: Hi Claire,
Forgive the familiarity, but I feel acquainted by reading your posts and your absolutely great Thatcher book. · Apr 3 at 5:41am
Oh, man, you got this place figured out already. This bodes well.
Re: A Word from Ricochet's Department of Hospitality Management
Kennedy Smith
Python: Hi Claire,
Forgive the familiarity, but I feel acquainted by reading your posts and your absolutely great Thatcher book. · Apr 3 at 5:41am
Oh, man, you got this place figured out already. This bodes well. · Apr 3 at 5:52am
I'm liking this Python fellow. Government tenders may be awarded.
Re: A Word from Ricochet's Department of Hospitality Management
Matthew Gilley: To the brand new members, it's easily worth the price and great fun. (Imagine a fully interactive subscription to National Review or Weekly Standard.) · Apr 3 at 5:42am
Edited on Apr 03 at 05:44 am
We did not put him up to saying that, either. We just hinted at our willingness to consider his application for a government tender favorably.
Oct '10
Re: A Word from Ricochet's Department of Hospitality Management
Welcome aboard if this is your first comment. Some of us are equally lacking in intellectual horsepower, but work hard at faking it. You'll do well if you just consider this your first day on a new job, where the boss failed to get you up to speed on your responsibilities.
PUNT !!
Mar '11
Re: A Word from Ricochet's Department of Hospitality Management
Hey Python
Practicing pathology in the fevered swamp on the Potomac, must be busy. Well sir I feel you pain as a fellow resident of PR of MD. There are at least seven of us (speaking vs lurking that is) from this locale. I am not sure if it is enough for us to have our own soirée, but maybe we can arrange to meet on the Mall for a group hug and commiserate on the irrationality of the inhabitants residing on the east bank. Virginia at least seems to have a better check on the excesses.
Feb '11
Re: A Word from Ricochet's Department of Hospitality Management
I'm also in the DC area, Maryland to be specific. My blog is Photon Courier, and I'm also a member of the group blog Chicago Boyz.
Oct '10
Re: A Word from Ricochet's Department of Hospitality Management
Matthew Gilley: I'll jump in since I'm essentially restarting on Ricochet. I was an early member but the day job demands, two active young boys, and three boards of directors just didn't (and really still don't) allow time to keep up with the increasing velocity of comments on the threads. I continued to check in on the threads, but putting interesting new podcasts behind the paywall brought me back. I'll be able to drop comments every now and then. To the brand new members, it's easily worth the price and great fun. (Imagine a fully interactive subscription to National Review or Weekly Standard.) · Apr 3 at 5:42am
Edited on Apr 03 at 05:44 am
Welcome back Matthew.
Oct '10
Re: A Word from Ricochet's Department of Hospitality Management
Welcome, newcomers!
Hello again, oldcomers!
Thanks to all for keeping everything going. I'm afraid I haven't had anything to add for some time, but I'm glad y'all are here.
Oct '10
Re: A Word from Ricochet's Department of Hospitality Management
Python: Hi Claire,
Forgive the familiarity, but I feel acquainted by reading your posts and your absolutely great Thatcher book. I'm a pathologist working in D.C. but living in the Peoples Republic of Maryland (feeling totally powerless and inconsequential, surrounded by liberals) My wife and I are constantly trying to convert not only our kids but most of our friends who have yet to see the light. I admit that the erudition of the Ricochet community and the eminence of the editorial staff and podcast participants makes me reluctant to contribute, but someday I'll get up the courage. Suffice it to say that I look forward to the weekly podcasts and Ricochet is very high on on my bookmark list. Keep up the great work. · Apr 3 at 5:41am
Welcome colleague. Post when you can. We appreciate a multifaceted perspective on the issues.
Jan '11
Re: A Word from Ricochet's Department of Hospitality Management
Python - I'm a pathologist in Canada - cheers
Mar '11
Re: A Word from Ricochet's Department of Hospitality Management
Dec '10
Re: A Word from Ricochet's Department of Hospitality Management
GLDIII: Hey Python
Practicing pathology in the fevered swamp on the Potomac, must be busy. Well sir I feel you pain as a fellow resident of PR of MD. There are at least seven of us (speaking vs lurking that is) from this locale. I am not sure if it is enough for us to have our own soirée, but maybe we can arrange to meet on the Mall for a group hug and commiserate on the irrationality of the inhabitants residing on the east bank. Virginia at least seems to have a better check on the excesses. · Apr 3 at 6:40am
Let's get something straight here. You folks from the Mid Atlantic/North East who portray yourselves as living in some sort of liberal bastion? Pikers! C'mon out to the Left Coast. At least out there you have Virginia, the Carolinas, Georgia, etc. filling out the lower half of the coast. Out here we're true blue from Canada to Mexico.