[WSBARP] Update on Upcoming Changes to the Real Property and the Probate & Trust Listservs

Thu Jan 17 11:34:33 PST 2019

As a member of the Executive Committee, I think someone should be responding on the intent of the change.

First, let me say that retired practitioners weren’t the target of the changes.  While I am reluctant to speak for anyone but myself, I will just say, that I wasn’t even considering that as an issue.  Now, that it has been raised, I believe it will be seriously considered at the next EC meeting of the section.

Second, everyone might be asking, what was the purpose of the change?  Simply stated, many (such as myself) were unaware that our RPPT listserv was an entirely open forum, which anyone could join.  For example, pro se litigants could join and pose/monitor/respond to questions.  There were issues regarding potential ex parte contact with represented litigants who could similarly join the listserv.  And down the rabbit hole we go…. asking how much of an open v. closed forum it should be.

So, I thought (again, I only want to speak for myself) it would be best for everyone using the listserv if the participants were primarily attorneys (with limited exceptions for law students, title officers, etc…).  But I don’t recall any intention to “cut off” access of retired section members.

Chris Benis
Harrison-Benis, LLP
2101 Fourth Avenue, Suite 1900, Seattle, WA  98121
206.448.0402 office – 206.448.1843 fax – harrison-benis.com<http://harrison-benis.com/>
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From: wsbarp-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com <wsbarp-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com> On Behalf Of Carl Gay
Sent: Thursday, January 17, 2019 11:19 AM
To: 'WSBA Real Property Listserv' <wsbarp at lists.wsbarppt.com>
Subject: Re: [WSBARP] Update on Upcoming Changes to the Real Property and the Probate & Trust Listservs

I have been a Section member for nearly 40 years.
The points raised by Rick Hoss and Katherine Laird are excellent and should be honored.
I hope Michael Safren will consider them. obtain input from the Section leadership, and the proposed new policy will be modified.
Many thanks to ALL who support the spirit of these listservs (can someone explain why it’s not spelled “listserve”…..it just seems sooo wrong….?)

CARL LLOYD GAY

what counts in life is what we do for others

GREENAWAY, GAY, MEDINA & MYERS
Attorneys and Counselors at Law
734 East First Street       Suite A
Port Angeles, Washington   98362
Email                      carl at greenawaylawfirm.com<mailto:carl at greenawaylawfirm.com>
Telephone               (360) 452-3323
Facsimile                  (360) 452-3724

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From: wsbarp-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com<mailto:wsbarp-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com> [mailto:wsbarp-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com] On Behalf Of Laird, Katherine
Sent: Thursday, January 17, 2019 11:07 AM
To: WSBA Real Property Listserv
Subject: Re: [WSBARP] Update on Upcoming Changes to the Real Property and the Probate & Trust Listservs

Not to mention, some of the retired and non-practicing lawyers may know where those old wills and trusts may reside.
This listserv have constantly impressed me with the wealth of knowledge, willingness to share and overall comradery.  It will be a great loss of institutional knowledge, commentary and thoughtful responses for all who participate now.
Katherine Laird
(one of those non-practicing types)

From: wsbarp-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com<mailto:wsbarp-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com> <wsbarp-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com<mailto:wsbarp-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com>> On Behalf Of Rick Hoss
Sent: Thursday, January 17, 2019 10:28 AM
To: 'WSBA Real Property Listserv' <wsbarp at lists.wsbarppt.com<mailto:wsbarp at lists.wsbarppt.com>>
Subject: Re: [WSBARP] Update on Upcoming Changes to the Real Property and the Probate & Trust Listservs

[EXTERNAL]
________________________________
We must find a way to keep our retired members on this listserv. I recall several posts from Rebecca Wiess that caused me to change my mind, and practice. Retired smart lawyers posting should be encouraged not banished.

From: wsbarp-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com<mailto:wsbarp-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com> [mailto:wsbarp-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com] On Behalf Of Michael Safren
Sent: Thursday, January 17, 2019 9:18 AM
To: WSBA Real Property Listserv; WSBA Probate & Trust Listserv
Subject: [WSBARP] Update on Upcoming Changes to the Real Property and the Probate & Trust Listservs

Hello Fellow Listservers:

I wanted to provide another reminder to all listserv users of the scheduled updates and upcoming changes to both the Real Property and Probate & Trust Listservs.

Starting February 1st, 2019, both listservs will only be accessible by WSBA RPPT members. The RPPT Executive Committee decided after much deliberation and input that the listservs should be an exclusive member benefit.  Starting February 1st, 2019, you will need to login into the www.wsbarppt.com<http://www.wsbarppt.com/> website using your section login and password in order to register for the listserv, access the listserv archives, and/or unsubscribe to the listserv.

Further, the Executive Committee has approved the adoption of new guidelines, rules, and general etiquette for the listserv.  These will be posted on www.wsbarppt,com<http://www.wsbarppt,com> under the listserv tab for all members to see and review.

Lastly, beginning on February 1st, 2019, all listserv postings will contain a disclaimer in the footer reminding all that while the listservs will be restricted to RPPT section members, not all section members are practicing attorneys.  Section membership is open to law students, non-practicing members of the bar, and even some non-attorney professionals in related fields such as title officers, real estate agents, and escrow agents.

The Executive Committee believes that these changes will improve the listserv experience for section members and deliver value to members as one of many available section member benefits.

I hope to make the transition to the members only listserv as seamless as possible  If you experience any difficulty during the transition, please feel free to email me and I will do my best to respond and assist you.

Kind regards,
Michael Safren
Web Editor, RPPT Section
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