CDS Observer

[Arria Perreault]

Some observations from the CDS Observer:

http://cdsobserver.wordpress.com/2010/0 ... 12th-term/

[Kaseido_Quandry]

Thank you for the best laugh I've had all week.

That the first article of your "independent press" should be a sad self-justification of the senior officials over the past term is not remotely surprising.

Your "independent press" certainly fails to note anywhere that its founder and sole author was the leader of the outgoing RA session which it praises to the skies (In case you missed the point, that's an "independent press" run by a *senior government official* - though likely not quite so senior, soon. Thank you, George Orwell!). While you have every right to pat yourself on the back for the past term (as few others are likely to), basic decency and the standards of a robust and honest political culture should suggest those clear disclosures you somehow haven't thought necessary.

It does, however, also suggest that one task for the future PIO/Marketing/Communications team should be considering what sorts of identifiers and disclaimers should be requested for official and unofficial sites. There should be no doubt in the minds of readers what is an official organ of the CDS and what is a private, personal or faction site.

Again, thank you for raising an important issue in such an amusing fashion.

[Jon Seattle]

That the first article of your "independent press" should be a sad self-justification of the senior officials over the past term is not remotely surprising.

I know from experience, Its easy to criticize, but much harder to lead or build something new. Some people, I know, (on many sides of each issue) give up a lot of their time and made their best effort to move CDS along. The CDS need more contributions, not less. And as a long-time citizen who is not presently involved in electoral politics, I must say I respect and appreciate all of the efforts of those who work hard to make the CDS a better, more welcoming place.

If you had to avoid any negative comments, but only positive suggestions, what would those be? How could you work to make the CDS better?

[Kaseido_Quandry]

That the first article of your "independent press" should be a sad self-justification of the senior officials over the past term is not remotely surprising.

I know from experience, Its easy to criticize, but much harder to lead or build something new. Some people, I know, (on many sides of each issue) give up a lot of their time and made their best effort to move CDS along. The CDS need more contributions, not less. And as a long-time citizen who is not presently involved in electoral politics, I must say I respect and appreciate all of the efforts of those who work hard to make the CDS a better, more welcoming place.

If you had to avoid any negative comments, but only positive suggestions, what would those be? How could you work to make the CDS better?

Jon - I don't know you, I haven't seen you inworld, or on the forums. If you'll take a look around, I think you'll find that I've done more than make positive suggestions, I've been taking action on a regular basis.

What I *don't* do is pass off self-congratulation as hard-hitting independent journalism.

The CDS does need more contributions, and I'd welcome the CDS Observer, if it weren't trying to claim "independence" when it's clearly a mouthpiece of a small political faction *within the government.* There's nothing at all wrong with *being* a mouthpiece for a faction: there is, as my post said, quite a bit wrong with the disingenuousness all too typical of much CSDF communications.

[Jon Seattle]

If you had to avoid any negative comments, but only positive suggestions, what would those be? How could you work to make the CDS better?

Jon - I don't know you, I haven't seen you inworld, or on the forums. If you'll take a look around, I think you'll find that I've done more than make positive suggestions, I've been taking action on a regular basis.

I must say that I really appreciate that contribution. Thank you!

What I *don't* do is pass off self-congratulation as hard-hitting independent journalism.

I see it as one of many group blogs we have had -- most with a particular point of view. In no case is the site labeled as an official voice of the CDS. I think, actually, blogs that are started by citizens are a good thing, even when I disagree with them. In fact I would not mind a little stronger editorial voice in this one -- since good natured debates are more fun.

..I'd welcome the CDS Observer, if it weren't trying to claim "independence" when it's clearly a mouthpiece of a small political faction *within the government.* There's nothing at all wrong with *being* a mouthpiece for a faction: there is, as my post said, quite a bit wrong with the disingenuousness all too typical of much CSDF communications.

Last time I looked, you were in the government too.

If you start a blog to talk about your own plans and accomplishments, things you tried that worked, or in some cases did not, and things you would like to see improved or changed, I will likely be a big fan. As long as you do not start running down other people's honest effort and work. And as long as you keep it accurate. CDS should be a place that *seriously* welcomes all honest contributors .. even if we have to zone a bit to make sure we do not get in each other's way.

How can we, as citizens of the CDS, improve the tone of communications so that we talk more about how we can work together to make things better. How do we get everyone putting their creative energies into making this better place? I know Aria is a decent and hard-working person, even though she and I have had differences of opinions/aims at times. I am going to assume you are also a decent and hard-working person. Is there any way that Arria's effort plus Kaseido's effort could add up to more something than just one of you?

[Arria Perreault]

Jon - I don't know you, I haven't seen you inworld, or on the forums. .

Kas, I hope you know that Jon is volunteered since years to program the voting system of CDS. It's an important contribution to our community. He was also involved in many CDS projects, especially in the Guild. Our community exists only because there are people who are volunteer to do a lot of work. We have to be thankful for that. But the energy for volunteering decreases when the critic increases. Please respect people who are here since a long time and who have built the paths you're walking on.