[WSBAPT] Message from RPPT Char about Limiting Listserv Access to RPPT Members

[Michael Safren]

Dear RPPT Listserv members,

Please see an important message from the RPPT Chairperson regarding
Limiting Listserv Access to RPPT section members.

"Dear RPPT Listserv members,

You may recall a discussion last month regarding placing access to the
RPPT listserv behind a member pay wall. The RPPT Executive Committee
considered the issue over several months and voted, last fall, to
limit listserv access to section members only. The goal of this move
was to make access to the listserv slightly more burdensome than
merely signing up for the listserv. As it stands now, anybody can join
the listserv and participate in discussions or simply monitor
conversation. Many section members were unaware that non-lawyers
participated in the listserv and failed to appreciate the potential
for liability created in that environment where ideas, strategies and
what a non-lawyer may perceive as "legal advice" is shared freely.

Following the announcement that access to the listserv would be placed
behind the membership pay wall, there was concern expressed by some of
our retired and soon-to-retire members. Discussion ensued over the $25
section membership fee and the fact that retired members were unlikely
to pay the fee and join the listserv. The effect of that would be to
disadvantage active practitioners who would otherwise benefit from the
wisdom and experience of our retired practitioners.

Taking the concerns seriously, the RPPT Executive Committee delayed
implementation of the new policy so that the executive committee could
consider alternatives and discuss the expressed concerns at our
meeting last Friday (February 8). Our webmaster was tasked with
providing as many alternatives as possible that would allow listserv
access to be restricted to RPPT members only AND former (retired)
members of RPPT. Every alternative hit the same roadblock. The RPPT
has no access to WSBA records and thus, no way of auto populating the
listserv with emeritus members. Any effort in this regard would
require manual investigation into the former membership status of the
applicant and manual addition of each emeritus member to the listserv
… every year. The executive committee concluded, again, that the
relatively small membership fee of $25 is a reasonable burden to
impose on folks who want to participate in the RPPT listservs. Again,
anybody can join RPPT. There is no requirement that a section member
be a WSBA member. The policy will not restrict listserv access only to
practicing lawyers. But, the requirement to register as a section
member and pay a $25 section fee may have the desired effect of
fostering communication amongst practitioners in our specialty area
while also potentially limiting access and participation by parties
who are not participating with those goals in mind. Hopefully, it
won't discourage our emeritus members from continuing to participate
in listserv conversation.

Listserv access will be moved behind the member pay wall on March 1.
At that point, you may have to re-subscribe to the listserv.

Thank you!

Annie Fitzsimmons
RPPT Chair "


Kind regards,

Michael Safren

Web Editor, RPPT section
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