The list guidelines currently indicate
"Please note that it is the intent of this discussion list to center on issues and events directly affecting this particular town. While anyone is welcome to subscribe to and read these discussions, we ask that only residents, representatives of town government, and representatives of organizations and businesses located in town post to this list. "
There has been some discussion that it might be appropriate to allow those with either a current interest in the town (but who do not reside there) or who formerly lived in town (but who have, for instance, retired out of the area) to post to each town's discussion list. Our concern is that opening up the posting privileges to those outside of the town may mean that posts to the town's discussion forum will become less about the town and more about the concerns of those outside of the town.
If the list guidelines were changed to allow posts from former residents, we would think that it would be appropriate to ask them to indicate their connection with the town ("used to live next to the school", "former town manager", etc.) in each of their posts.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Often a post from an outsider can add good information so should be allowed, but I think it should be the exception rather than the rule for outsiders to post. I agree that they need to identify who they are and their affiliation, if they have one. Or they should have a town resident to enter the post for them, acknowledging who it's for.
ReplyDeleteSorry, forgot to add my name and town to my previous post:
ReplyDeleteDean Whitlock, Thetford Center
I think you should require that posters have lived in the town for at least five years before being allowed to post. Without such a restriction you could have the phenomenon where people move to town just to post to the discussion board and then move back out a few years later because they want to post somewhere else.
ReplyDeleteFive years isn't really a long time in New England.
This comment is addressing the issue of non-residents posting to the Norwich Forum list. Since I was the one most recently banned from posting because of the objections of two members, I felt it necessary to take advantage of this opportunity by Valley Net to gather opinions.
ReplyDeleteIt is no secret that I think ex-residents of Norwich should be able to freely post to the list. I realize that one of the concerns of ValleyNet is that non-residents would be introducing subjects not concerning Norwich, either directly, or tangentially. I can agree with Valley Net that such posts shouldn't be published, and that comments by anyone should pertain to issues relevant to the functioning and wellbeing of Norwich proper. However, I do think allowing ex-residents to express an opinion relevant to an issue that involves an experience from outside of Norwich is not only proper, but can provide some very important information from a new source that can possibly help solve a problem, or bring new insights. I think it is a compliment to the Norwich community that an ex-resident would want to stay engaged through the Norwich forum, and shouldn't be cast as an unwanted intrusion.
As far as identifying one's self as a ex-resident, I don't see the necessity, especially in my case since it has been so thoroughly discussed, but if helps get this guideline changed to allow more discourse, a higher degree of freedom of speech, than by all means, put it in, and I will abide by it.
BTW, I think the new Norwitch line of merchandise is brilliant and I am hoping to see lots of it the next time I visit. I would only ask that dog leashes and dog collars be added.
Thanks for this opportunity to comment.
Jim Thurber
Boulder Colorado/13 Year Resident of Norwich/Nor'ich/Norwitch
Fairlee and I expect Thetford have large numbers of seasonal residents who I think should be able to use the list when an issue might affect them or be of interest to them. One of the nice things is the index at the beginning. Many times I look at that and if there is nothing of interest to me, I delete the whole thing.
ReplyDeleteI live on the town line of Fairlee and Thetford and participate in each list.
I don't think allowing ex-residents makes a lot of sense but the rules should allow for people who live nearby and are part of the Thetford community, e.g. participate in Thetford or TA events, attend church here etc. "Community" is a bit broader than the town line.
ReplyDeleteI think Jim Thurber has it right, intelligent and relevant comments to an issue can only enhance the eventual outcome, regardless of the source of those comments.
ReplyDeleteI think one group that is being ignored here are non-resident taxpayers. Anyone who pays taxes in any community has a right to be heard on issues in that community.
David Goodrich
Thetford Center
As a small business owner in Thetford,and a Thetford resident, we would like to use the list to post monthly specials or reminders.
ReplyDeleteWe've been told in the past that we should advertise in the VNew or JO, but who we really want to reach are our fellow Thetford residents. I think the listserve is a perfect place to promote local businesses.
Bridget & Scott Veracka
Thetford Auto Service
Residents and those paying taxes to the town should have access to that town's listserve in order to have a voice in town matters. Non-residents and non-tax payers should not have posting privileges for a town unless the webmaster is able to determine that the posting has special relevance to the town's residents and tax payers. I'm not aware of any listings by non-residents/non-tax payers on the Vershire listserve, but any problems should be resolved by the webmaster.
ReplyDeleteI believe any person who is interested enough to write in should be included, as long as they include their own name and current town.
ReplyDeleteRosemary Yaecker
Bradford
These are all helpful comments. One thing that I need to mention is that it's really important that the webmaster, or administrator, not be put in the position of making decisions about which out-of-town posters are eligible to post and which are not. If the list rules say that former residents can post if they indicate their former affiliation with the town, then that will be easy and fair to administer and regulate. I get nervous when I see comments that suggest that "the webmaster can decide..." because that is sometimes hard to do and still be fair to everyone.
ReplyDeleteThis is a sticky one - for example, there are often posts to the Thetford list about the Thetford Academy, which accepts students from other towns, and I think it would be appropriate for such students and/or their parents to be able to comment. Also, what about prospective residents to a town, who want to inquire about issues or services?
ReplyDeleteIn addition, there are local residents who may want to post information useful and valuable to other residents but not town-specific - are they to be ruled out as well?
I'm with Rosemary: any person who is interested enough to write in should be included, as long as they include their own name and current town.
ReplyDeleteBeata Randall
Hanover
I've lived in Thetford almost 5 years. So, Jeff can ignore me if he likes. So far, the Thetford list seems to be "under control" and I don't think I would like to see a lot of enforcement of rules about who can post, new or existing. Almost any rule will have exceptions most folks would agree are reasonable.
ReplyDeleteI hope that residents of less than five years will also be exempt from paying any and all taxes until they are better established!! LOL
ReplyDeletePost Mills
More seriously--I gave the listserve info to current residents who were moving here from California. They posted several times about internet access, schools etc as they were closing on their home. They then posted upon arrival seeking information about the local electricians etc to do work on that home. It seemed that the listserve was an excellent way to get a feel of the town and its doings before moving to a strange place. It also gave them instantaneous info about neighbors who could do work for them, thus boosting our local economy. I think they felt more comfortable relocating to a totally new and strange town.
ReplyDeleteIf someone is interested enough to be reading and having opinions, they should be allowed to post. People can take the "non - residency" into account when considering the contribution, but all should be welcome to post.
ReplyDelete