At 11:02 AM -0600 3/6/05, Anne Carroll wrote:
As readers, we can believe, disbelieve, argue, or agree with posters as we choose, but demanding credentials with posts is not what this forum is about, nor should it be. Just because we do or do not know someone who's posting on an issue doesn't have anything to do with what they have to say.
Despite a very busy day, I want to step into this discussion as Forum Manager.
First of all, I didn't read Mike Fratto's request for an introduction as a "demand," however I think that it very well could have been read that way. It is true that participants are in no way obligated to introduce themselves, its also not against list rules to ask for an introduction.
Having said all of that, I agree 100% with Anne Carroll that a public request/demand for an introductions and/or credentials is counter to the spirit of this forum. It is understandable that we might be curious about the identity or background of another participant, however such requests are better made in private - where they are less likely to be taken as an attack or challenge to ones credibility.
I want to make it clear, that everyone is welcome to express their ideas and viewpoints on issues of relevance to this forum, REGARDLESS of who they are or their background/experience. Any attempt to discredit another participant based upon their background, intended or not, is contrary to the spirit of public discussion that we try to foster in this forum.
This may be partially my fault for not reminding "Caty Royce" to fully sign her posts (which she has some on other occasions) as we require, with a full name and neighborhood (as I usually do for new participants). One of the outcomes of having that rule, I think, is that other participants get suspicious of individuals who do not use a complete signature.
Let this be a reminder to all of us, about how important it is to use your full name and some indication of where you live (either neighborhood or ward is sufficient, if posting from outside St. Paul then your city should suffice).
Tim Erickson Hamline Midway
Best wishes,
-- Tim Erickson List Manager St. Paul Issues Forum http://www.e-democracy.org/stpaul/ Hamline Midway Resident 651-643-0722 [EMAIL PROTECTED]
St. Paul Links - http://www.e-democracy.org/stpaul/links.html
"The St. Paul Issues Forum is a interactive e-mail discussion on important issues about St. Paul public policy. Participation is free and open to anyone. We currently have about 350 concerned citizens and community leaders subscribed to our discussion."
-------------------------------------------------
JOIN the St. Paul Issues Forum TODAY:
http://www.e-democracy.org/stpaul/
-------------------------------------------------
POST MESSAGES HERE: [email protected]
To subscribe, modify subscription, or get your password - visit: http://www.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/stpaul
Archive Address: http://www.mnforum.org/mailman/private/stpaul/
