A message from the editors – About the blog’s new management

It was noted in the comments of an old post that the blog is under new management. Nathan Rudy responded:

Heather, what exactly is meant by this comment?

“It should also be noted that this was posted by the prior editor and the blog is now “under new management”.”

What is your vision and editorial strategy for the blog?

The past editor had a pretty liberal policy for postings and tried to keep things on the up and up. I think only one person was banned from posting here for negative behavior.

I think it needs to be said that there is a difference between “liberal” and “negative”. Because many of the posts here uncovered disturbing information that was factual and could be supported with evidence doesn’t make it negative (except if you are somehow involved in that situation–it’s certainly “negative press” for people involved). In an effort to make sure I’m speaking accurately, I looked up “liberal” on Dictionary.com and got the following:

lib⋅er⋅al

[lib-er-uhl, lib-ruhl]
–adjective

1.	favorable to progress or reform, as in political or religious affairs.

2.	(often initial capital letter) noting or pertaining to a political party advocating measures of progressive political reform.

3.	of, pertaining to, based on, or advocating liberalism.

4.	favorable to or in accord with concepts of maximum individual freedom possible, esp. as guaranteed by law and secured by governmental protection of civil liberties.

5.	favoring or permitting freedom of action, esp. with respect to matters of personal belief or expression: a liberal policy toward dissident artists and writers.

6.	of or pertaining to representational forms of government rather than aristocracies and monarchies.

7.	free from prejudice or bigotry; tolerant: a liberal attitude toward foreigners.

8.	open-minded or tolerant, esp. free of or not bound by traditional or conventional ideas, values, etc.

9.	characterized by generosity and willingness to give in large amounts: a liberal donor.

10.	given freely or abundantly; generous: a liberal donation.

11.	not strict or rigorous; free; not literal: a liberal interpretation of a rule.

12.	of, pertaining to, or based on the liberal arts.

13.	of, pertaining to, or befitting a freeman.

Yup… that’s about right. And the blog will certainly stay liberal.

Negative is another story. If the information is reasonable and logical (or is not, but can be supported by evidence and proof) but has a tendency to hurt feelings or step on toes… sorry, but it’s going up. The priority is progress, not hurt feelings.  We will only want to omit any comment or post that is derogatory in nature and provides no purpose other than to be demeaning.  Commentary that is attacking without substance won’t be tolerated. We’re a community and the purpose of this blog is to BUILD community–not divide it. If someone creates a post or comment that is challenging something said or done, that will certainly go up. If someone has nothing better to do than to consistently name-call or bash without providing anything of substance to move forward with in the spirit of community, that will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.  We will not post profanity. We will try and edit out any expletives and will do our best to convey the writer’s strong views. We will send the edited post to the individual and ask if the edited version can be posted.

I guess this comment just gave the two new editors a reason to pause and consider the policies of the prior editor vs. the policies of the new editors. Previously, e-mails would be posted publicly unbeknownst to the sender.  We won’t be doing that.  If a reader sends in a comment or post that quotes or paraphrases someone else’s email, we will post it. If the writer of that original email has a problem, it’ll be with the person who submitted the post or comment.

The blog is meant to become the living, breathing voice of the residents… TOGETHER. That will not be accomplished by tearing one another down. Challenging one another and calling people out on their ideas is a means to understanding and growing. There is a difference.