ISAD online conference 1998 - a report -- by Judy Kuster (Minnesota, USA) Thank you for your interest and participation in the Second International Stuttering Awareness Online Conference. The conference officially ended October 22, 1999. The papers and what is on the threaded discussions will remain at this address and you are welcome to read and/or copy them. The papers will be permanently archived on the Stuttering Home Page. However, the presenters have concluded their responsibilities for checking and answering any questions posted, so will not be responding here anymore. The presenter of this paper has consented to have a personal email address posted here if you wish raise further questions and/or comments. Contact Judy Kuster at kuster@mnsu.edu congratulations From: harry krampf Date: 10/1/99 Time: 11:22:54 AM Remote Name: 134.29.4.17 Comments I have taken some time this morning to read a number of the papers. Even as an outsider, I found the papers to be very interesting. Perhaps more importantly, the online conference itself is a fantastic medium. Congratualtions and thanks for the invitation to review your conference. Conference Planning From: Cheryl Samuels Date: 10/1/99 Time: 1:38:17 PM Remote Name: 134.29.4.22 Comments What a tremendous way to conference and interact with folks around the world. Your contributions, Judy, to your profession and clients are truely exceptional!! A great experience From: Harsha Kathard Date: 10/4/99 Time: 8:41:39 AM Remote Name: 192.96.21.51 Comments Dear Judy Thank you for coordinating this initiative-it is really very interesting to read and to communicate with the writers about relevant issues. I read your review ofthe last conference and found it really interesting that so many south africans participated. The conference provides for great learning experiences for students. Congratulations once again regards harsha kathard Superhuman effort From: Mike Hughes Date: 10/5/99 Time: 3:41:41 PM Remote Name: 142.166.254.86 Comments Judy, Before, during, and after ISAD'98, I marvelled at the time, effort, and expertise you dedicated to the Online Conference. I have frequently thought back upon your ISAD'98 efforts during this past year. Now that I've had the opportunity to read more about what went on behind the scenes, I am even more impressed. Your dedication, fairness, and willingness to learn whatever was necessary to get the job done have been marvelous examples to us all. I hope that this year's conference was a bit easier, now that you've laid the groundwork and had prior experience. I agree, there should be one chief to organize the indians, but cannot imagine someone devoting the necessary hours to it more than two years in a row. However, how does the stuttering community find someone with your dedication, fairness, and expertise to take over the task? Judy, it's almost as though you've got a tiger by the tail, and can't let go. From the heart -- thank you, sincerely, for your enormous superhuman effort! Ooooh my goodness From: Gina Waggott Date: 10/7/99 Time: 10:06:09 AM Remote Name: 148.88.17.28 Comments Hi Judy My goodness - what a LOT of effort you put into this! I had an idea about how stressful it must be to present such a conference, but your stress levels must've hit the roof! I profess a deep admiration for your dedication and professionalism! Perhaps I should come to Mankato for next year's conference, and see how quickly it stresses me out and turns my hair grey.....;-) Good for ya! Give yourself a huge pat on the back! -Gina :-) Thanks From: Gunars K. Neiders Date: 10/8/99 Time: 7:02:42 PM Remote Name: 12.13.226.13 Comments Judy, I have learned much from both of the conferences 1998 and 1999. Keep up the good work. Gunars Re: Thanks From: Judy Kuster Date: 10/10/99 Time: 4:57:30 PM Remote Name: 134.29.30.79 Comments The six comments above reflect why I am so excited about this project -- it reflects a mix of professionals and consumers who are interested in learning from and with each other, AND those who posted even in response to this one paper truly represent a world- wide community - Africa, Canada, UK, US. Thank you all for your kind comments - but it is yours and others' participation that makes all of this work! Judy Congratulations and thank you From: Salena Date: 10/9/99 Time: 9:14:22 PM Remote Name: 209.181.170.235 Comments Congratulations on such an achievment,you have done a wonderful job with this conference! Thank you for encouraging others to get involved in this medium and inspiring others with your enthusiasm for the Stuttering Home Page and this conference. Thank you! Salena Re: Congratulations and thank you From: Judy Kuster Date: 10/10/99 Time: 5:05:36 PM Remote Name: 134.29.30.79 Comments Thanks, Salena. I'm pleased that you and other students are participating in this conference, and as I view your access to and interaction with several of the "presenters," think what it could have been like if I had had such access during my own training -- to folks like Van Riper, Sheehan, Johnson, Williams, Boberg, Luper, and so many others. Judy Just Thanks From: Bernie Weiner (berniewin@aol.com) Date: 10/16/99 Time: 1:57:54 PM Remote Name: 205.188.198.41 Comments Judy, Thanks for all you have done for the people who stutter. I still don't know where you find all the time to do this stuff. I just hope that you know how much you are appreciated. For computer illiterates such as myself, this thing is still mind boggling. The various topics discussed on this conference are simply amazing. Great Work From: Lieven Grommen Date: 10/18/99 Time: 5:11:45 AM Remote Name: 212.190.18.184 Comments I've read the above thankings and I only can add my own. More than just practically organising the conference you seem to inspire all those people from your personal conviction. It's just wonderful. Thanks and best wishes for good health and happiness. Lieven. On-line conference From: Mary Ahlers SLP Date: 10/20/99 Time: 10:10:24 AM Remote Name: 209.105.65.189 Comments Hi, Judy! After reading your article I can only say "WOW"! This has been a wonderful experience, and I cannot thank you enough for all your hard work. This on-line conference: 1) is a great opportunity to earn graduate credit (without ANY driving)and 2) affords the participants with fantastic information. I must admit, I was nervous about taking on this venture, but have found it very easy and practical. Thanks again...and, please continue. Your efforts are very much appreciated. conference From: Janet Hartman Date: 10/21/99 Time: 10:25:01 AM Remote Name: 206.10.49.101 Comments Why do I feel more adequate when responding to a paper written on how this online conference was set-up and the technology used, than on articles written on current stuttering topics/research? Because I am more knowledgeable. Unfortunately I have spent more time and effort learning how to use a computer than keeping up on current literature and stuttering treatment. Thank-you for putting together this conference. Although a lot of work and stress for you, the opportunity to read articles from presenters across the world, is indeed enlightening as well as informative. This format allows those of us who can always find excuses on why we canŐt get to a class, or donŐt have the time, no excuse. I am most appreciative of your efforts. 1998 ISAD From: Celeste Ruebl Date: 10/22/99 Time: 3:38:08 PM Remote Name: 209.224.21.194 Comments Judy, Congratulations on another excellently done online conference! I tried to take part last year but wasn't able to. I was really happy to be able to do so this year. Thank you for still keeping last year's papers available. I really appreciate the depth of articles. Still, many of my fellow SLP's were unaware of your conference but I've tried to spread the word. Thanks again for all the hard work you've done to put this together. I hope it continues to be an annual event! THANKS to all of you! From: Judy Kuster Date: 10/22/99 Time: 7:09:06 PM Remote Name: 134.29.30.79 Comments Thank you all for your kind comments and encouragement. Last year I wasn't ready to think about another online conference at this point, but this year am already planning what to do for ISAD2000. Hope you all will participate again. Knowing this can make some small differences in connecting folks and providing good information makes it worth the effort. I appreciate your participation! Judy