I have been strolling through the archives to find some information about some of my favorite beads. Venetian Mosaics. What I found in the past was fun. I found what I was looking for. I learned. I felt there was sharing, care and giving. I felt welcome. This is why I write and try to express my concerns.

I am sadden to report that I do not enjoy reading the threads on the BCN any more. The loss of proper input on the BCN in recent times is rampant. By this I mean true knowledge. In many of the past posts there was an honest on going growth of teaching and learning that I do not see in many of the posting lately. For example. Venetian Mosaic beads. If I understood correctly, every Millefiori bead is also a Mosaic bead, but not every Mosaic bead is also a Millefiori bead. The technique is called "Mosaic" or "Millefiori" technique. Millefiori beads are decorated with slices of mosaic cane, called murrine. Mosaic beads can be decorated with all sorts of slices, not necessarily murrine. I would need to re-read Jamey's article on this, but I think it is in one of the Picard books. Maybe I need to check back, just to be sure but I digress! This is what was discussed and learned that it was better to now call some millefiori beads mosaics. Millefiori is also a term to describe a pattern.

Also I am saddened that the BCN seems to have lost so many of the founding members. These founding members gave so much of themselves, their time patience and knowledge. I do not know why so many have not been contributing. I do know we are all less fortunate to not have their presents on the BCN forum.

Now for the most part on the BCN all I see is ego. No real sharing of knowledge. No real teaching. Nothing to actually be learned. Just the blatant. Hey look what I have that hopefully you do not. Even when someone actually asks for help or tries to share some new knowledge. All is drowned out. The facts of the post are lost because someone tries to make amusing remarks or post a grandiose display of what they have. Any actual attempt to share or learn is lost. Even worse. Some new comers have tried to join the BCN only to be driven away from the BCN for no other reason some made them feel small because of their lack of knowledge and inexperience with beads. This embarrasses me. The term "bead N" has been used before. I would hate to see it used again.

The reason I joined the BCN was to learn. When I first started posting. I caused several members a great deal of distress. Some told me in private emails. Most let me mature to be the mild nuisance I am now. But I have learned. I have grown. I have tried to restrain myself. I do not often win this battle. But I do try.

The Bead Collector Network. Is for what I hope is the sharing of the knowledge of beads. Many friendships have been made on this forum. These friendships have made the learning process enjoyable. How they help each other find the information the each other are looking for. For many of us to read how many of these friends share with one another. Is what captured our attention and why we stayed. When others asked for help with what ever the need is. The members of the forum (friends if you will) gave their time and willingness to offer a helping hand. Most who have come to the BCN have never had the reason to feel unwelcome. This is way I feel I have a place in the bead community. I have also notice that in some ways the feeling of being welcome is lost. Not only to new comers but to the few founders that still try to offer their knowledge. This hurts and embarrasses me too.

In closing. Let us remember. Let us get back to the fundamentals of learning and sharing honest pleasant learnable facts about beads. We came to the BCN to learn. There is plenty of time and opportunity to play and have fun. But please, let us remember to keep the learning and sharing of beads first.

Concerned
Thomas Mercer
Dog Bone Crazy