[Rhodes22-list] Back Channel Communications

[mputnam1 at aol.com]

I think Ed has made it clear -- if you think you are asking him a question in confidence, think again.
 
I may be a "newbie" on this list, but I've been a contributor on many other lists ... and this is the first place I've encountered where, at least in Ed's mind, a "back channel" conversation is considered fair game for public distribution.  If he unilaterally decides something should be of interest to the world, he breaks an implied confidence.
 
This list has a number of clearly defined rules of etiquette.  As I learned, even an accidental ommission of one's name is cause for reprimand.  Fair enough.  But in the few weeks that I've been a part of this group, this is the second instance of back channel communications being made public by one party against the wishes of the other.  
 
Perhaps it would be best if a decision was made, one way or the other, as to how to treat back channel communications.  If they can unilaterally be made public, at least forwarn us "newbies" in the rules and regulations.  Or, if the rest of you agree that they should be kept confidential unless both parties agree to air their correspondence (which seems, to me, the fair thing to do), then let's make that clear in the "rules" as well.
 
Respectfully submitted,
 
- Mark
 
 
 
-----Original Message-----
From: ed kroposki <ekroposki at charter.net>
To: The Rhodes 22 mail list <rhodes22-list at rhodes22.org>
Sent: Wed, 14 Dec 2005 07:49:30 -0500
Subject: [Rhodes22-list] Captain Skinner and Stan's Office!!!


Bob,
    You asked me a question which I did not know the answer and to which
there was a more qualified list member that could answer the question.
Also, that was an appropriate list question and best asked and answered on
the list for all to see the question and answer.  Back channel has its time
and place, but really should not be used for discussion that might interest
all list members.  
    When people have a relevant questions and discussion, come on now,
keep it on the list.  There are others who are doing the back handed thing
too!  An important use of this list is freedom of information, even when
very pointed or seemingly irreverent(sp).  Look at the quality of the
discussion you have initiated.  You say breach of etiquette, in this
instance the breach was not putting the question where it was best
discussed.
    Stan has indicated that he feels he is getting old and slow.  The
challenge to this question is to get him to answer:  "Stan - What is the
transit/theodolite/transvestite doing in your office?"  Bob Skinner wants to
know.  Maybe you need to call him and ask him to post the answer to list now
that the whole world wants to know. 
    We have newbies and lurkers who need to learn history and issues of
importance.  All is quiet on the auction, is this really going to go for
less than the value of the IMF mast alone?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1985-22-Rhodes_W0QQitemZ4596499238QQcategoryZ

Ed K
Greenville, SC, USA
For Slim and Ron:
http://www.intellicast.com/IcastPage/LoadPage.aspx?loc=usa&seg=StormCenter&p
rodgrp=WinterStorm&product=48hrSnowForecast&prodnav=none


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