We asked. How to put more sizzle in the Gazette. We received some great responses and other feedback. While we’re off next week for Thanksgiving, we’ll set the stage with one response, and in coming weeks share other feedback, and hopefully spawn other responses.

I have to agree with the person who made the “boring” comment — although I wouldn’t have chosen “the B word” to describe it. It’s not Alan’s fault. What the Gazelle Gazette suffers from is too few members feeling any obligation to contribute content. The CSC seems to be a rather passive group, with only a minority of members initiating discussions by posting a photo or a comment, posing a question, answering other members’ questions, etc.

I’m not sure what (if anything) might stimulate more discussion, sharing of finds, etc.

Some might say, “I am not an expert, so I don’t want to speak up.” To them I would say, “You have more knowledge than you might think. And if you’re truly a beginner, post questions!”

Others might say, “I worked hard to gain the knowledge I have about Steuben glass. Let others get it the hard way, like I did.” To them I would say, “Over the years, many others shared their knowledge with you unstintingly, including those who wrote reference books and put together the CSC Shape Index. If you want your own collection to remain valuable and be preserved in the future, pass on that knowledge and enthusiasm to the next generation of collectors, researchers, etc.”

Some might say, “I prefer to keep my collection, and what I own, a private matter.” To them I say, “Share, and ask that your name not be mentioned.”

Some might say, “I don’t know how to take photos of glass,” or “I take terrible pictures of glass,” or “I can take photos, but I don’t know how to share them.” To them I say, “This is what children and grandchildren are good for!”

I hope my comments are taken in the way that they are intended — as constructive, solution-oriented suggestions. I’d love to hear others’ suggestions.

“Anonymous #2”