[Vision2020] The future of this list

[Gary Bryan & Nancy Chaney]

Vision 2020:

The immediacy of this forum invites frivolous postings and instant 
recognition for individuals who crave it for various reasons. I agree with 
those who are annoyed by Mr. Stambler's postings, but who value his right 
to communicate freely. Those guys who wax eloquent in town squares may be 
romanticized in literature, but I remember thinking how lonely or 
ill-adapted some of them must feel.

Happily, this forum also lends itself to sharing creative ideas for the 
healthful development of our community, commiserating about some state of 
affairs or another, and arguing passionately, persuasively, and usually, 
civilly about issues that matter. Let's not risk sacrificing the good parts 
for an individual who might warrant our compassion and understanding. 
Failing that, just do what I do and hit "Delete."

Nancy Chaney

-----Original Message-----
From:	Bill London [SMTP:london@moscow.com]
Sent:	Thursday, April 10, 2003 3:58 PM
To:	vision2020@moscow.com
Cc:	moscowgarage@yahoo.com
Subject:	[Vision2020] The future of this list

V2020 subscribers:
    Though I have resisted this for months, I guess it is time to
consider an question that could radically change the character and
direction of this community list.
    The Question---What are we going to do with Douglas Stambler?
    I pose this question because of the world-record 13 postings of his
that showed up on V2020 in the last few hours, including some nasty
comments like: "Doug Wilson: Equal Opportunity Hate-Mongerer"
    I also think it is time to bring this issue forward since Walter
Steed posted the following question; "Hey, First Step, can you block the
non-emails from Moscowgarbage???"
    First Step is very generous to host this list at no charge.  That
gift keeps V2020 (which has no money, account, corporate filings,
hierarchy, etc) this remarkably open, free, and totally public forum.  I
think of it as that famous soap box in Hyde Park in London--a place
where anyone can stand and speak his/her piece.  Without a filter, a
moderator, a controller, etc.  Anyway, First Step has the technical
ability to deny access to the V2020 list to anyone.  But First Step does
not want to exercise that kind of control, since it is not "their"
list.  It is in fact, our list.  It belongs to its members.  The 400 or
so subscribers--us, you and me.
    So, the question about what we are going to do with Douglas Stambler
is a question we have to ask ourselves.
    What do you think?  Should we block his posts to this list?
    To do so would change the nature of this forum.  This list was
created 10 years ago as an open discussion list.  Compared to other such
lists nationwide (most cities have one or more), V2020 has been very
successful.  The membership is a cross-section of the community,
including elected officials, city employees, etc.  The communication on
the list is unfiltered, and therefore occasionally rude, mean-spirited,
and wonderful.
    Enough of this rhapsody.  The question remains: has Douglas Stambler
been such an egregious nuisance (with his recent barrage of posts, his
offensive comments, and his attempted "unsubscribing") that he should be
the first person we ask First Step to block from our list?
    I hope you all consider the question and respond to the list.
Thanks BL

_____________________________________________________
 List services made available by First Step Internet,
 serving the communities of the Palouse since 1994.
               http://www.fsr.net
          mailto:Vision2020@moscow.com
?????????????????????????????????????????????????????