I belong to several internet discussion lists and I've
always regarded each list to be an asychronous and
never-ending professional conference. When I'm in the role
of "speaker" I make my mini presentations to a diverse
group of unknown "listeners" who deserve my respect and who
deserve a thoughtful and well-prepared presentation. As a
"questioner from the floor," I have a responsibility to
take into consideration the interests of my fellow audience
members and the topic at hand and try not to rave or to
make the speaker look a fool.
Like any conference, discussion lists include some speakers
who have more to say than others, some who will teach me
more than others, and some who will irritate or outrage me.
And this electronic conference, like its brick and mortar
analogue, affords me the opportunity to make of myself a
highly visible idiot, a highly visible hero, or simply a
reasonable contributor in an ongoing search for greater
understanding. The bottom line for me has always been that
if the conference (list) is worth my time, then it follows
that my fellow participants are necessarily worthy of my
respect and my postings must be crafted in such a way as to
either enhance or at least do no harm to my professional
reputation.
P.S. -- Thanks in particular to Fred Nichols for his
comprehensive contribution on this topic and for inspiring
me to share my thoughts.
=====
Michael Greer
Author of The Project Manager's Partner (HRD Press) and ID Project Management (Ed Tech Pub.); for free PM-related handouts, bibliography, and hot links visit:
http://michaelgreer.home.mindspring.com
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