I think this whole issue of quoting posts from the list is an interesting
one.
I go back and forth in my own head about the proper mission of this forum.
Should this be a public place for exchanging opinions, first and foremost,
or should it serve as more of an insiders' back-channel - a way for ideas to
be floated out there for discussion before a person decides to take a public
stand?
On the legal question, I think reporters are entirely within their rights to
pull out what we say on this list and use it. I personally give a lot of
thought to what I write here. I know people are watching, and that written
words are forever. I want to have a future as an involved participant in
Minneapolis policy discussions - an involvement that will certainly mean
building and maintaining relationships with many people who read this list.
That caution will always influence my posts, regardless of whether I think
they might end up in the paper.
On the other hand, I am concerned that directing too much public attention
in our direction might tend to stifle important discussions. For example, I
recall several instances where elected officials on the list have thrown out
ideas and requested comments from members of the list. Would such officials
be as likely to involve our virtual community in their deliberative process
if they felt that their "draft" ideas might end up in print?
Does the ability of public officials and community leaders to engage in a
more frank and free-wheeling discussion on this list end up benefiting our
city? Does keeping these discussions relatively more private seem elitist?
Is access to these ideas a fair reward for caring enough to pay attention?
Could a "copyright" on the list somehow help in striking a compromise on
this issue?
I'd welcome people's thoughts - offlist...or on.
Paul C. Rohlfing
Formerly Linden Hills and Lyndale, currently in Bethesda, MD
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
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