[Mpls] Re: Tips For Effective Participation: E-Democracy

[Tim Erickson]

Thanks for the great feedback and suggestions for additional "tips 
for effective participation." Here is some of what has come in so 
far, if you have anything to add to this lists, please contact me 
ASAP.

Send your comments to:

       tim at politalk.com
or    651-643-0722

------------------------------------------------------------
    How to Effectively Participate in a Local Issues Forum
                     Additional Suggestions

                 Original Document Available at:
http://www.mail-archive.com/stpaul@mnforum.org/msg04561.html
------------------------------------------------------------

1) "If you [the poster] want to persuade other people on the list, reason
with them using facts and examples.  Ranting, posting facetiously,
ridiculing, or twisting other posters' statements doesn't advance your
position or win you supporters.  It may make you feel good for a few
minutes, but it adds nothing to the discussion."

2) A suggestion that we should do more to promote the use of the Web 
as an alternative to getting every email in your inbox. (NOTE: This 
has not always been very easy with the technology that we use, 
fortunately, it will be getting easier in the future and is something 
that we will be able to promote).

3) "I love when people keep it to the point but cite their sources 
via a link so if I want to read more I can.  This has given me the 
chances to find many information sources I have never heard of (I 
have a kid and don't spend hours surfing the web)."

4) "One of the most difficult aspects of communicating through email 
is that you have no idea what the emotional state is of the person on 
the other end. Body language and visual cues offer a lot when people 
are exchanging ideas. These helpers are lost during email. This is 
complicated by the fact that we do not, for the most part, know each 
other so we are really lost when it comes to personalities and ways 
of expression. Using email for work can be tricky for those reasons. 
I am always careful to be clear and do everything I can to avoid a 
misinterpretation of intention by the person on the other end."

5)  "Do you want to add something about the Subject line? My email 
system adds a lot of "stuff" before subject when I reply. When I was 
made aware that the "stuff" I send was unique to me, I have been 
editing it. Clear subject lines can be a savor to people trying to 
skim and save time."

NOTE: Several participants also pointed out typographical errors. 
Thanks for these as well.


------------------------------------------------------------

Tim Erickson
Hamline Midway
tim at politalk.com

-- 
=================================================
Tim Erickson              http://www.politalk.com
St. Paul, MN - USA                   651-643-0722
tim at politalk.com             iChat/AIM: stpaultim
=================================================