Ernie, thank you for rescuing my reputation ( ;) ).  I guess these things
need airing out now and then, so we all have a better idea what is
appropriate.  Looks like you're getting plenty of answers to your poll! I
shall, in the future, refrain from making reference to any commercial
venture, be it direct or, as was the case for my announcement, second-hand. 

I don't post to this list much as my area of focus is more in the Upper
Valley, but I do enjoy reading the reports- all kinds-including photos, of
course.  While it must be irksome to some to see so many non-bird posts, I
have learned much from the discussion, including reference to the Vermont
bird Facebook page.

I second the recommendation for the excellent ebird reports as well, which
you can get hourly, daily or otherwise, with specific designated areas. 

Many thanks to you for your excellent diplomacy, moderating skills and time
/energy spent on this list.
Kudos to all you diligent and skilled birders.
And many thanks to Kent McFarland, among others , for making ebird an
outstanding resource. 

With humble appreciation,

Cynthia Crawford

On Fri, 13 Aug 2010 11:16:18 -0400, Ernie Buford <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

>My apologies for singling Cynthia out (perhaps unfairly).  This message
>generated a couple of complaints and struck me as good example for
>conversation's sake (albeit off-topic).  Thank you, Cynthia, for
>clarifying your innocent, good intent and for marking your message OT
>(off topic) in the first place, which is an admirable practice.
>