This page contains a number of UUCF list postings in which it is suggested that a new list, called the "UUCF Spirit" list be started. This list would have more restrictions then the UUCF Chat list.
As far as I know, as of this writing, the UUCF Spirit list does not exist.
Subject: The e-mail lists
Date: Tue, 22 Jun 1999 13:09:26 -0400
From: "Alison Eskildsen"
To: [UUCF Chat, UUCF Info]
To all on the chat and info lists (forgive the double sending if you're on both lists),
Commentary:
In principle, I think everyone agrees about the value of having the info
and chat lists. And, Tony you're right that the chat list purpose was for
it to be a place we could have an open forum, to provide members and
friends with a way to be in 'community' even when at our own homes or
offices. Unfortunately, as we all know, criticism and gossip are the
quickest and easiest form of talk among friends, whether it's on the
internet, over the telephone, or over a cup of coffee. We all fall prey to
it, but as a religious community, I think we feel the slings and arrows
more strongly and when written out they take on a weight and emphasis they
often don't have in casual conversation. In many ways, the lists have been
a working experiment. Has the experiment failed because we've failed each
other in how we used the chat list? Maybe not, but the early results are
not impressive.
Information:
The communications committee (Kurt Jensen, Jan Taddeo, Alison Eskildsen,
Wini Atlas, and Patty Girman) and members of the Board have been
considering adding another list to our menu that might help to resolve our
difficulties with the current chat list. Let us know what you think about
this idea.
We're thinking of calling it the UUCF Spirit list and it would have additional rules beyond courtesy and the netiquette guidelines. In keeping with its name, Spirit, the list's purpose would be to provide a forum for people to share uplifting, inspirational, joyous thoughts; community-building ideas; relate positive experiences; suggest good ideas for improving programs or activities (such as being more welcoming); etc. No form of criticism or nastiness would be allowed. If you don't like the restrictions the rules place on what you can or cannot say, you don't subscribe.
If you call the Spirit list too rosey or only for those who don't want to hear what others have to say (if negative), then you would be correct. But I don't think that need be a blasting criticism that outweighs its benefit and usefulness. It just means that differing personal opinions about people or other negative stuff would be voiced in private, in letter or conversation with leadership, or among those still wishing to remain on the chat list. Criticism is not eliminated or discouraged, it will just be put in a different place where innocent bystanders who choose not to hear it, won't.
If you are interested in being a part of this Spirit list, let us know and we'll set it up, along with posting more info on its rules
Subject:
Date: Tue, 22 Jun 1999 16:22:45 -0400
From: "thomas vitez"
To: "UUCF chat list"
Kurt:
Please remove our names as well from the chat list. It has become a vehicle for a small group of people to express repeated displeasure with the Board and the minister, and the tenor of conversation has recently descended to the level where Marianne and I feel it is unworthy of our church. We support the suggestion that it be abolished, and be replaced , not supplemented, by a list subject to the conditions outlined in Allison's e-mail.
tom vitez
Subject: chat list
Date: Tue, 22 Jun 1999 16:58:14 -0700
From: Nancy Rooney
To: [UUCF Chat]
To all,
In response to several messages that I have read recently on this chat list, I am offering my thoughts.
I joined the chat list one year ago when I was asked to serve on the church board. My reason for subscribing to this list was solely to make sure that I would hear and attempt to understand all viewpoints. I saw my responsibilities on the board as attempting to represent all members of the congregation, while at the same time, making decisions that will foster the long-term health and vitality of our community. As does everyone on the board, I take these responsibilities seriously, and I put my time, thoughts and effort into making the best decisions I can.
Over the past year, as a subscriber to this list, I have found this chat list to be mostly negative, rarely spiritual, and sometimes flat out nasty. More often I am bothered by what I read, rather than inspired or uplifted. The negative comments I read on this list about the church leadership's intentions do more harm than good to my ability to try to understand and respect all viewpoints. As a result, I am dropping off this chat list. I will be better able to listen with an open mind and represent all members by not reading things like comparisons of the board with Hitler.
I invite anyone to talk to me in person, e-mail me [e-mail address removed] or call me [phone number removed] with comments, concerns, suggestions or questions. I think much more honest and constructive communication occurs on a person to person basis.
I am also upping my pledge by $100 to help boost our ability to come closer to the UUA fair share. I believe in commiting my time, talents and treasures to our community, and like many of UUCF's members, I believe in working energetically towards solutions.
Alison, I think the idea of the UUCF Spirit List is very good, and one whose time has come. I would not describe it at too rosey, but as a forum for building community and exchanging ideas in a positive and respectful way.
Nancy Rooney