Re: online/offline

[Joan Kiplinger <jkip@xxxxxxxxx>]

         Jenny -- not knowing what your off-line discussions were, this may
not be the answer you are looking for.
       Some persons are very private and prefer conversing directly with
intended party. Others who offer advice may feel although it's effective
and legitimate, it may be less than those standards set or recognized by
the professional field and are therefore hesitant to speak publicly.
      I have had similar experiences  though not from this list, and have
come to accept the fact that there are many forms of communication.
Therefore if I ask, my answers may come in different packaging.
     I do agree with you that back-and-forth commentary is needed as a
learning tool and a way to hear different viewpoints. But probably as long
as a list is professional, especially a scientific list like this one,
encouragement of online disussion might be one of difficult persuasion or
acceptance.


Jenny Barnett wrote:

> Karin von Lerber, Prevart GmbH wrote:
>
> >   Dear colleagues,thanks a lot for all your fast and efficient help
> > on- and offline.
>
> Dear  colleagues,
> Again I am reminded that people find it necessary to react off-line.
> What have we all missed? I find this strange for a discussion list, the
> objective being to exchange information for the greater good of the
> whole group. Could some one please explain why they react off-line? Is
> it due to being uncertain or being afraid of criticism?
>
> In the lively discussion which Susan Mathisen and I had in 1999, which
> was triggered by my passionate reaction to the the Dickensian
> description of work conditions for the biggest Stars&stripes flag
> project, we both received many comments off-line. I checked with her
> because I was surprised by the bitchiness in some cases and in others
> was disappointed that supportive comments could not lend public weight
> to my (and her) arguments and ideas.
>
> How can subscribers be encouraged to be keep discussions public?
>