I think the thing that I find most appealing about this list is that the "opinions" go to this list un-edited and un-filtered.
The strib has significant filters at work in what gets printed and the story that gets told is from that of the reporter or editors point of view. I have often times read accounts of stories that I felt were reported with a particular "spin" to them and didn't mirror my recollection of the event. This is especially true with television news media. As a neighborhood activist, I have long been sensitive to the "spin" stories get in the traditional press regarding many issues facing inner-city neighborhoods. I think this list has served an important function in providing a forum for "the other side of the story" on many issues. The real power of this list in my estimation is that it serves an important function in providing a forum for "the other side of the story" on many issues. You to see the diversity of many people's accounts of a story or opinions on the story, not just one writers or reporters. I remember the first time I felt like this list was "history in the making". During the ISAG conference this list received eye witness reports before the stuff was even on the news. I don't ever remember getting news so quickly before. That has happened with a number of issues where someone on the list has alerted us to the story before it hit the newspaper or TV. I also like the idea of being alerted to stories from other papers, magazines,etc. by list members. It makes it easy for me to get information without having to read 6 different newspapers. The idea of being able to give opinions and feedback to issues being visited by our various levels of government is highly appealing. The fact that many elected officials participate or at least "lurk" is even more appealing and quite frankly makes me look at them more favorably. Without this list, there are issues many of us would have never know about, let alone get to give an opinion about. I hope everyone on this list will tell their friends and associates about the value of this list and encourage them to join, North, South, East or West. I would like to see the list double or triple in size. It's the information age at it's finest. Barb Lickness Whittier ===== "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." -- Margaret Mead __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Try FREE Yahoo! Mail - the world's greatest free email! http://mail.yahoo.com/ _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
