"Tending" the Blog - Clearly two people have followed a thread of discussion regarding the Salvation Army and their philosophy that most don't see as productive. Here's my question: since it wasn't really personal, but at the same time was somewhat far afield from the subject of this blog, would you prefer that I delete that sort of thng?
Secondly, Stan Z. I appreciate your opinion, I can only say that there are times when the normal demands of the job leave little room for spending time with the blog, even on my own time. Last week was such a week. Then this past weekend, I just flat took a few days off. If my lack of daily "tending" makes the blog not usable for some, it will just have to be so. As for the idea to eliminate comments altogether, that strikes me as throwing the baby out with the bathwater. Even if there are some that go astray, there are many more expressing well-defined points of view. I hate to give all power to those who misuse the forum, and allow them to dictate whether it exists.
Secondly, Stan Z. I appreciate your opinion, I can only say that there are times when the normal demands of the job leave little room for spending time with the blog, even on my own time. Last week was such a week. Then this past weekend, I just flat took a few days off. If my lack of daily "tending" makes the blog not usable for some, it will just have to be so. As for the idea to eliminate comments altogether, that strikes me as throwing the baby out with the bathwater. Even if there are some that go astray, there are many more expressing well-defined points of view. I hate to give all power to those who misuse the forum, and allow them to dictate whether it exists.
posted by Michael McNees at 8:06 AM
15 Comments:
Mike:
I think this blog is a very good tool. I also think there are many ways people can communicate with you, such as your email or by phone.
I also think people have to realize this is just one way to communicate with you. You are under no obligation to immediately answer questions or follow the direction people expect of you on this blog. You do after all have a real job running the city not playing politician. So, I find it understandable you speak on this site when you can to inform people of this issues at hand.
People need to not have such demands of this site but know it for what it is. Just one tool but not the only one.
If people, like Stan Z has serious issues and needs immediate response then he should contact you on your office phone or email you directly. You are a very easy person to find.
The public does not want to think they are paying you to maintain this blog but are happy you spend some time giving your input and letting people write their thoughts.
Ditto.
Mike,
Perhaps you can require someone to register before making entries. I think the anonymous option is good in some ways but largely problematic. Anonymity may encourage suggestions, but it fosters incivility and creates a lack of accountability. Can you require posters to "login"? I know this may reduce the number of comments, but I'll take quality over quantity any day. Besides, I think that over the last few weeks the most profound and thoughtful comments are almost always made by someone providing their name. Either way, I think the Blog is a good thing, and am glad you take the time to work it. It is obvious that you and many of the City Commissioners review the blog often, and I can’t think of any other forum where this communication is so readily available.
This blog is so refreshing to read. Please keep it.
Yes, there are sometimes people that say more than they should or in a way that some disagree with but that is only a small portion of this blog.
The real benefit is reading your input and also others points of view to challenge everyones way of thinking about important issues around town.
While this is not what you are paid for, it is appreciated by many that you do take time to connect with this community in many different ways. As the first post stated, you are not a hard man to find if someone has something important to discuss with you.
I have a suggestion. If you don't want to read a comment, scroll down. I do it quite frequently. It's really quite simple. Why squelch free speech for something this juvenile? Everyone has a right to their opinion.
Now that the Wal-Mart contract has been approved, what is the window for them to close on the property and when would you expect them to close?
Dan
Thanks for the comments about the blog. I've never considered discontinuing it, though am considering the elimination of anonymity, even if it just means a move to pseudonyms for some.
The property closing for the Wal-mart site is at least a year away based on further work they have to do assessing the site environmentally. This doesn't really cause any delay in the project, because the land-use issues (comprehensive plan amendment, rezone, etc.) will take that much time anyway.
I think eliminating anonmity is the wrong thing to do. That is if you really want City employees to use this as a venue. Taking the lift station thread into account. A lot of City employees wouldn't have bothered to let you know about their dealings with Bill Hallisey and Gil Fernandez if they knew that City officials (yes you) knew who they were. I found that discussion very enlightening. Doesn't seem that anything ever came of it, but enlightening just the same.
Finally, in Sarasota 60's generation is getting what it wanted -- communal living. Only they are letting Whole Foods grow their food! Also seems development and prosperity breeds the appearance of con-artists, felons and manipulators according to news reports. They they seem to be converging on this market and any savvy development person who makes a good appearance and presentation is automatically "in." Why doesn't the City just give away all its land (is there any left?) and the "public" can have nothing. Then it can consolidate with the county because city leaders will no longer be needed.
This is an extremely important tool for the citizens and taxpayers of this city,be it anonymous or not.Alot of people are frustrated,confused and angry at what they see happening around them . Public meetings are obviously not the place to vent frustrations but if there isn't another venue for it else where,the code of conduct will bite the dust.As the city begins to burst at it's seams with people,you better believe that a "mob mentality" will follow in some shape or form.
Can you let us know what stage of the Pineapple Square deal we are in?
Is there any place for the people to be heard on the different concerns we have about the deal?
Can the deal be changed at this point, if enough people are concerned about it?
i think comments on the blog that dont deal with the topic at hand, should be deleted. Especially when they are just taking up space to complain or tear down. Also blog responses that are personal attacks against those with different opinions should also be deleted.
I don't believe you should delete anything, unless it's obscene or patently libelous. As you are a government employee, and probably do some of this editing on City time, I believe the First Amendment may apply to any posts, unlike those on a blog run by a private enterprise or individual that is not subject to the First Amendment.
For the record, I think the First Amendment applies equally to everyone, public and private. At the Federal level the Freedom of Information Act also applies to governmental activities, while on the state level our Florida open government, or "sunshine" laws apply to public agencies.
Nancy - I don't know if I agree, because I'm not sure what you're saying. Are you saying that negativity means that someone has information others don't? If so, then I don't agree. I don't see any justification for being disrespectul to each other, but perhaps I didn't understand your point.
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