Writing governance statements for e-participation projects
From:
Geoff Reid
Date:
2007 Jun 13 21:30 UTC
Short link
Hi Ella.
Talkswindon deliberately ignored the c.y.a approach and adopted a 'less is
more' stance.
http://www.talkswindon.org/index.php?action=register
Quote:
We have deliberately not issued a list of proscribed activities on the
membership signup agreement, preferring to instill an expectation of common
sense and decent behaviour from new members.
Most new members will have viewed the forum as a guest, so have a reasonable
idea of acceptable posting styles and 'persona' attributes.
The forum is largely self-moderating with a fairly wide latitude allowed for
different views to be expressed.
The forum members usually prefer to debate an opinion which might be initially
seen as 'objectionable', instead of expecting its immediate removal. At the end
of each such debate there is almost always a better understanding of opposing
opinion.
To date only 1 post, (message), has been deleted from the forum, and this was
at the mutual request of both members concerned.
The lack of detailed legal warnings should not be taken as permission to run
riot. A good general guideline would be: Treat others as you would like them to
treat you.
Please note that with each post, your IP address is recorded, in the event that
you need to be banned from this forum or your ISP contacted. This will only
happen in the event of a major violation of this agreement.
Also note that the software places a cookie, a text file containing bits of
information (such as your username and password), in your browser's cache. This
is ONLY used to keep you logged in/out. The software does not collect or send
any other form of information to your computer.
end quote.
You'll notice that Talkswindon neither encourages or discourages
nicknames/pseudonyms being used and does not limit how frequently members post.
At 'TS' we're a bit bemused by sites that deliberately limit input to
discussion and seeks, or hints that they might 'validate' identity. We can't
see the point. A valid point is a valid point regardless of whether it's made
by Geoff Reid or Jumping Jack Flash.