Mpls-Issues tip: PLEASE trim/cut the previous message that you are responding to. The redundant characters make it harder for Digest readers to read and it needlessly lengthens download times. ----------- The reason I am such a ninny about decorum is so all can feel welcome to express their views. It's no fun to enforce (I often get back the negativity I'm trying to combat), but it's fundamental to what the list does. As I've said, oh, a billion times since this list started, Minneapolis-Issues was created for a substantive, respectful discussion of important city issues. Our preamble states, "This forum is about open exchange and information sharing and not about being right with one's ideology. Attempts to 'win' an online discussion are discouraged." Any sarcasm, belittling, or personal topspin detracts from this goal. If your position/candidates flies with the angels, then the facts should be your friends. Hew to them and forget the mean, hyperbolic, indulgent responses. You shouldn't need such prose to convince people you're right. One tip I've written before: If you find yourself addressing your post to an individual member, it should probably go to that member, not the list. It shows you are getting wrapped up in a personal battle and clouding the issue at hand. Not every response has to go to the list. Our goal is to create a climate where all views can be heard and discussed, where all can express their heartfelt view of the city. A dialogue is way more fun and interesting than a monologue. I can confirm Jude Posely's observation that people have dropped off the list or gone to lurker status because of needlessly personal, castigating responses. I know, I know, some Minnesotans are just plain thin-skinned about being criticized. But this goes beyond that. Lately, there is still an eagerness to savage others here lately that goes deeper than thin skin. I am not asking that people alter or silence their issue positions. But fundamentally, ALL of us need to do all we can to focus on the issues and make Minneapolis-Issues a place where all views can be heard. Please err on the side of not being snotty, self-righteous, or vindictive - in other words, R-E-S-P-E-C-T those with differing views - and we can fulfill our potential. Sincerely, David Brauer List manager _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - Minnesota E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
