[*BCM*] Take a hint

[Robert Arnold]

Speaking of camaraderie...

Don't get me wrong, I'm as negative as the next guy, but I've been thinking 
lately that positivity in the Mass seems to have a better effect on 
onlookers (not to mention other Massers) and helps them to see us less as 
aggressors. This month and last month there were copious high-fives from 
pedestrians and even people in cars. Perhaps as a result, August's Mass 
seemed to be the least incident-prone of any Mass I've been to recently. I'm 
wondering if we can take this positivity up a level. It'd be great to see an 
a-political flier (to hand out to drivers, etc.) that succinctly and 
politely stated our goals for the ride and thanking them for their patience 
and understanding. Something along these lines:

Side 1: "Show the love!" (image of heart or something awesome!)
Side 2: "Hi! Thank you for your patience! We know it's frustrating to wait 
for all of us bikers, but we're riding to raise awareness and there's no 
other way we can do it. You know what it's like to drive in this town. 
Imagine being on a bike. Yikes! So help us out a little: show your support 
every day by giving us some space when you pass and remembering we belong on 
the road too. Thanks!!"

All we'd need is five or six "Goodwill Ambassadors" to hand these babies out 
at blocked intersections. It won't diffuse all anger, but it might help put 
a positive face to CM in at least a few people's eyes, and it'll give 
drivers something to do while they're waiting and waiting and waiting for 
the Mass to pass...

Rob

On 8/31/05, Robotica <androidqueen at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> i see where you're coming from, but i have to agree with the OP a bit
> on this one. we're all basically on the same side here, but there
> seems to be a lot of attacking and defensiveness. it wouldn't hurt to
> remember that we *are* all comrades in arms, and, though we differ on
> a lot of things, our goals are essentially similar.
> 
> -m
> 
> On 8/31/05, Lord Admiral Horatio Nelson <jorach at gmail.com> wrote:
> > "This group has all of the disorganization and ineffectuality of CM
> > with none of the comeraderie or fun. I seriously think this is my
> > least favorite mail group ever."
> >
> > Then remove yourself from it. Wow! Problem solved!
> >
> > ps. I am adding you to my internet spam filter blocker because I don't
> > want any of your emails because I didn't join this discussion group to
> > discuss anything with anyone who disagrees with me.
> > _______________________________________________
> > Boston Critical Mass mailing list
> > list at bostoncriticalmass.org
> > http://bostoncriticalmass.org/list
> >
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>
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