A few things on the Park Board discussion: To a great extent, the citizens' reports on the Park Board meetings epitomize what this list is about. A group of citizens attend the meetings, write up their analysis, and use Minneapolis-Issues to disseminate that info to others. That's great.
However...the discussion/analysis often veers away from issues/analysis into name-calling, insult, and personal tweaks. This is especially ironic given the legitimate concern over the Park Baord's own discussions, which have veered into attacks and threats. Although defenders of the Park Board are in a minority on this list, they too have returned the personal tweaks and lecturing. No side is blameless. Together, though, it creates a climate where personal pissing matches drown out valuable information and insights. It subverts the key value of this list - a constructive issues-oriented discussion. I've put up with the snarkiness this long because I respect the civic involvement on all sides. However, it's getting absurd and undermines our basic principle of respectful discussion. Yes, it's OK to criticize those in power on this list. Yes, it's OK to defend those in power. No, it's not OK to use inflammatory labels, guess at what's inside your opponents' heads, or lecture them about not being the sharpest tool in the shed. If people can't control their personal venom, at least wait 24 hours to try to cool down. I must consistently enforce our respectful discourse rules - even if that means suspending members who are otherwise dedicated civic participants. So to the list: consider this a heads-up about why I may have to take drastic action one of these days. It pains me to do so, and I've resisted it - believe me. Ultimately, though, this list is at its best when people off all views feel they can disagree substantively but respectfully. This is especially important so citizens not party to the main feud feel safe enough to weigh in when they want. That's why the rules are there. David Brauer List manager REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
