As public relations chair, I have been giving some some thought to
the recent
posts. I have reached no conclusions, but wish to share some of my
concerns so
that others may think about solutions.
It is obvious that in our country we value open and free
discussions and the
general public is quick to condemn any forum that they perceive as
being
otherwise. If one looks at past Iris forums there have often been
more then
contentious discussions. Then the forum, or the people in it, are
denounced
for airing their complaints. It seems one is often damned for being
to closed
then damned for being too open.
Board meetings are conducted within Robertbs Rules of Order and are
moderated by the president. The AIS discussion forum is not
moderated by any
rules to my knowledge.
Regardless of who may make a comment, whether or not they are even
directors,
ideas presented are often attributed by others to the entire board,
fairly or
unfairly.
I much prefer being able to brainstorm about a subject in an e-mail
forum. It
allows for more considered remarks, and also time to check facts
and gather
information. Sometimes at board meetings one has the feeling of
something
being pushed through, or pushed out, without sufficient judgment
because of
time constraints.
But writing sometimes comes across with a different tone then the
writer
expected. Arguments pro and con may seem divisive, when only simply
disagreement in the best course of action.
Maybe I am too philosophical and tend to see problems with any
course of
action. I like to think I am just careful and try to foresee
problems before
they occur. I do favor as open a decision making process as is
possible since
we are acting for everyone in the society. But I realize that not
everyone
will agree with any action taken. --Bob Pries
----- Original Message -----
From: "John I Jones" <jijones@usjoneses.com>
To: aisdiscuss@aisboard.org
Sent: Friday, July 18, 2008 1:34:37 AM (GMT-0500) America/New_York
Subject: Re: [AISdiscuss]-OPEN MEETINGS and password protected records
The archives for AISDiscuss and AISVote at www.aisboard.org are open
to anyone who is interested in looking at them. The archives are not
password protected.
John
On Jul 17, 2008, at 8:46 AM, Harold Stahly wrote:
Hello, all,
It seems to me that Dennis has a point well taken. Convention Board
meetings, in-person, non-electronic, are open to any interested
person who can listen in on discussion of topics at any stage from
their first proposal to their completion. The only exception
seems to b when the Board goes into executive session to discuss
unusually sensitive matters. This discussion does not become part
of the meeting minutes. Otherwise all meeting discussions and
actions are open to any AIS members. Should not electronic
discussion be treated in the same way?
Hal
On Jul 17, 2008, at 7:16 AM, R. Dennis Hager wrote:
Excuse my little rant, but you're going to get it anyway.
Although there may be some perceived advantage to having the AIS
Board minutes password protected, any such advantage is quickly
dissipated by the not so subtle message that it sends to any
marginally interested or totally disinterested party.
Some meetings should be held in closed session. There are times
when announcements of the decisions of the Board should be
delayed. However, those times are rare and this is obviously not
one of them.
What activity is the Board of a non-profit involved in that would
necessitate hampering the free flow of Board meeting minutes?
Is someone just a little paranoid?
The AIS has a membership problem. In this electronic age, it
doesn't take long to disseminate information and it doesn't take
long to disseminate the wrong image. How many of you would be
inclined to join an organization that requires a password to view
excerpts from Board meetings concerning procedure?
I have been told that the AIS Board meetings are open meetings. If
it is an open meeting then for goodness sake (as opposed to evil's
sake), open the meeting.
R. Dennis Hager, President
Society for Japanese Irises
----- Original Message ----- From: "John I Jones"
<jijones@usjoneses.com>
To: <aisdiscuss@aisboard.org>
Sent: Thursday, July 17, 2008 12:14 AM
Subject: [AISdiscuss] Board Actions Concerning Electronic Voting
I have excerpted the two sections that I know of from the
minutes from past Board meetings concerning electronic voting
and the AIS lists.
If anyone knows of additional citations, please let me know and
I will add them.
The document: AIS_Lists.pdf can be found at:
http://www.aisboard.org/aisdocs/
John
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