Dear Readers,
I have worked hard to develop a large readership and I appreciate every last one of you. But the resulting problem is this: at the moment I am so swamped with e-mails and comments that I can’t answer them all in one day.
My daughter says I need staff. My husband says I should charge a subscription fee to pay for the staff. Then the readers would go away, the comments would dry up, and I wouldn’t have any money to the pay for the staff that I would no longer need. Does that make sense?
Instead, I’m just asking for your patience. I try to give everyone a considered and well-reasoned answer but sometimes those take a while. I’m reminded of those phone messages that say, “Your calls will be answered in the order they are received.” Well, forget that . . . I answer the easy ones first . . . and I don’t even play dentist office music while you wait.
This notice is just to let you know I’m working on it, patience is a virtue, good things happen to those who wait . . . or something along those lines. Now, for me at least, it’s back to the keyboard.
Rusty
Hi Rusty! I follow you on Twitter [ms_mims] and here is a note about the email issue.. http://www.emailcharter.org/ Have you heard of the TED talks? The curator of those, Chris Anderson, has started this effort for the same reason you wrote this post! Just sayin, maybe it will help, and — pass it on! Also, no reply needed.
Cheers to you and your darlin bees!
~mims
Rusty,
Just a quick note to let you know how much your efforts are appreciated.
Rusty,
Just a quick note to let you know how much your efforts are appreciated. I am sure that there are many other ‘lurkers’ like me who quietly appreciate your posts. We know that there is a tremendous amount of work hidden in your blog and do not really expect you to answer every single comment. You can only do the best that you can do.
From a fellow biologist who appreciates your scientific approach to beekeeping, Roger.
Hi Roger,
I’m glad to know you’re out there. This post brought out more “lurkers” than anything else I’ve written. Quite a surprise as I didn’t expect any response at all. I thought readers would get irritated and go elsewhere, so I almost didn’t post it.
I love the quote…”Good things cometh to he who waiteth…if he worketh like helleth while he waiteth.” :).
I love your stuff. I don’t mind waiting – if a response is even necessary. Maybe an “auto reply” – less than friendly, but it would at least let me know you did receive one of these kinds of responses that isn’t asking a question but merely making a statement. And you can always respond when required.
You have a lot to offer us beekeepers, and I’d rather suffer the automation of an auto reply than do without the wisdom you impart!
Congratulations on the dual-edged sword of success!
ScoobyDoBee,
Good idea. I’ll look into that. It’s true that some people just want to know if I received their message and are not really looking for an answer. Thanks so much!
P.S. Great quote!
You take all the time you need. Like honey, it can’t be rushed and is worth the wait.
Jerold,
Thank you! Like honey, that’s sweet!
You go, girl! 🙂 If you need any help/backup, let me know!
I’m a beginner beekeeper and love and appreciate your time and column. Thank You, Ted
Rusty
Your efforts so much appreciated! I learned (hard way) that with bees, everything must be slow and without rush. Also, sometimes problems just solved by itself in a couple of days … no rush necessary.