As I was exercising this morning (a brisk walk in equally brisk early Spring weather), I was reflecting on the most meaningful rewards I get as a teacher. Among these are when I get public recognition as a result of something one of my students does or say. Twice in recent weeks I have received notification of awards -- being included among groups of teachers recognized for their effectiveness and/or inspiration as the result of being nominated by a student. One of these was from a current student, the other from one now a sophomore in college. In neither case had I known how much of a positive effect I had had.
So that leads to the purpose of this diary. I will, below the fold, explain what I hope will happen. For this to work, people will each have to follow the examples I will (as a good teacher) model for them. They will also probably have to recommend the diary to keep it visible for others to participate. In requesting recommends, it is because I believe this is at least as valuable as our recent roll-calls of participants.
Put up a brief comment, The title/subject of the comment should be the name of the Kossack. In the comment itself place a brief explanation of why that person inspires you.
You can do multiple comments, but keep each comment focused on one kossack, present or former, very active or occasional poster.
The person can be wellknown, someone whose work often makes the recommended box.
The person can be someone who perhaps is NOT YET as visible, but your comment can help make them so.
If someone has already posted a comment about the person (you can do a search), perhaps you can post your comment as a response, so that we can read related comments as a group.
Your reason is yours alone - you will not have to justify it to anyone. It is a way of publicly acknowledging those diarists (or perhaps those who should diary, but only comment) whose writings have those posting the comments made a difference.
REMEMBER - besides posting your response, consider recommending to keep this visible for those not online at the to many ungodly hour of 5 am
ONE MORE NOTE - you do with this what you want. I would hope that it would continue to get action, that more people will have a chacne to participate, and most of all, that those whose names are mentioned also get a chance to see it before it disappears. I realize that the community may decide that there are more important items to be recommended, and that's fine. I AM GLAD to see a few lesser known people already get some recognition.
as for me?? I am now off to school, away from a computer for at least the next 40 minutes or so. Hope this continues to serve a purpose.
Bye now.