As the campaigning begins for H-Net elections, I would like for all of you to get to know me a little so you can make an informed decision when you vote. I first became aware of H-Net in 1994, as a graduate student. I joined H-Grad and several other lists. I have been a member of strictly academic lists and of general interest lists, of practical lists and esoteric lists, of old lists and new lists, so I am very aware of the breadth and variety of H-Net. I have been a daily editor of H-SAWH since its inception so I know what editors must deal with on a daily basis. I was H-Net editor trainer for a few years, and got to know many of you during that process.
H-Net has changed considerably since I joined. For one thing, the number of lists has grown exponentially, bringing the whole world into the H-Net arena. Second, there have been legal changes in the structure of the organization. I have been there for all of these changes and have taken part in some of the discussions. I have met several of the people who have made H-Net possible and I have gotten to know editors of several lists, by networking at conferences. I bring ten years of H-Net experience to the current challenges.
Because many of the changes and challenges now facing this organization are legal in nature, I think it is important to have as many legal minds as possible in on the discussions. I am a “recovering attorney”. I no longer practice but I do still have the training and perspective of a lawyer. The skepticism and insistence on logical rationales for policies is something that I will bring to the Council. While it is possible to convince me to do something, a person needs good, practical reasons and sound logic to sway me. As many ideas will be tossed around in the coming years, I believe that my training as both a historian and as a lawyer will help me bring a valuable perspective to the Council.
I am a problem-solver. I tend to think outside the box to find the best way to deal with challenges. I work cooperatively with others in brainstorming and I am especially effective at putting ideas into practice. I work well with others.
At present, I have no agenda other than making H-Net the best it can possibly be. I promise that I will always act in good faith towards this organization and that I will be careful in making decisions that affect all of us.
