Robert:
I guess I am a bit concerned that someone who espouses "cooperative
communication" has so openly and immediately chastised someone for what
obviously was an unintentional mistake of posting an article on the list. As
a list member, occasional poster, and daily lurker, postings that come across
as purely chastising events (you did not include information on copyrights)
discourage open participation for the less confident participant. It adds to
the risk involved with giving opinions, feedback, and the expansion of
knowledge of everyone. As an author, I share your concerns, but there are
alternatives to this response....
1) send a message to the writer directly in a "coaching" tone: Are you
aware.... or ... It might help you to know.... creating a learning opportunity
for her in a less disrupting venue.
2) wait a few days to post "information" around copyrights to the general list
defusing the direct hit to the poster..... giving others the opportunity to
learn from the posting.
3) do both
In living up to my suggestion, I often respond directly to writers to seek and
provide both myself and the originator opportunities to learn. And I
acknowledge, with apologies, that this post may not be living up to my
suggestion of posting directly.... but occasionally, justified or not, people
get back what they give out....
Jane Galloway Seiling
419-227-7979 fax: 419-222-2002
Lima, OH
Author: The Membership Organization
1998 SHRM Book of the Year