I'd like to end this series of email on a positive note.
While the tone in the forum is "heating up," this very much reflects the political season. As unfortunate as it is, I don't think that the rhetoric in the forum is dramatically different from what you'd hear at political meetings and events, especially at this time of the year. The difference is that we've got a more politically diverse group of people in our room, than you'll find at most meetings.
THIS IS GOOD NEWS.
Also, while a very few members of the forum have taken to some fairly aggressive political rhetoric, a close look at the overall content in the forum is actually very encouraging.
We have lots of new people participating and contributing lots of constructive and positive things to our discussion.
PLEASE. Don't let a few individuals distort your overall views of the forum. Keep your eyes on the big picture.
FINALLY. Its everyones job to set the tone in the forum. If you think that things aren't going well, THEN DO SOMETHING! Here are a few suggestions!
1) Take a topic like the "Campaign Pledge" and
do a little research. Then contribute the
information that you find to the forum.
A discussion based upon real info rather
than speculation is usually much more
interesting and constructive. 2) Post a new topic or ask an interesting
question. Don't be shy about using the forum
to learn more about St. Paul?
It would be perfectly appropriate to ask
"What's your favorite park in St. Paul?"
"Where are some good local bike trails?"
or "How difficult is it to get a building
permit in St. Paul for a remodeling project?" 3) Whenever you reference web sites or articles
please share a link with the forum. Again,
the more information that we have as a group,
the "better" our discussion is likely to be. 4) Send a private "thank you" note to someone
who has clearly taken the time to post
thoughtful and constructive comments to the
forum. ESPECIALLY if you disagree with them.
This alone would do a lot to improve the
tone in our forum!-- Tim Erickson Forum Manager St. Paul Issues Forum http://www.e-democracy.org/stpaul/ Hamline Midway Resident 651-246-5045 [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 425 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/
