I have two specific concerns about this list server: 1) unsubstantiated
claims about people in our community, and 2) anonymous posts. I would like
to see both of these come to an end.
On the first concern, I am bored and disgusted by what is essentially
gossip and speculations about the way people allegedly conduct their lives.
It is not what I think this listserver should be known for. I view it as
trash.
On my second concern, I feel that this list server should at least maintain
the standard of newspapers, and require that posters identify their names
and place of residence. Not necessarily in every post, but if we are
talking about community building, we should know who makes up that
community. I like knowing if people are writing from the perspective of
living in Moscow, Missoula, Fort Collins or Boise. I like it when we are
honest about who we are, and what we care about. Anything short of that
seems fake and careless.
This list server has been useful in the past. I would like the steering
committee to consider disallowing anonymous posts. I also suggest
individual members of the steering committee examine their own willingness
to allow gossip on this list server. I wonder about the limits of
liability of individual steering committee members and Moscow Vision 2020
as a whole in a libel or slander case.
Tom Lamar