CWT Group…In the past I have been an active participant in the discussion groups AABP-L and Dairy-L. Both of those discussion group cast a VERY wide net with a clear set of conduct and rules that must be abided to. One of them is that the person posting MUST identify themselves with name and address. This is a good thing in my opinion as it adds a sense of ownership to opinions and experiences shared with the group. A post or a reply from a code name leaves a sense of doubt and/or reluctance to reply to the posted comment.
I think it would be helpful if the Group knew who was in the Group!
My 2 cents
I agree with Dr Fry. If I post something I will take responsibility for it. I would prefer this but should it be a hard and fast rule? An exception that might be considered is a question could be anon (the first post of a new topic) but answers should be identified.
Jim, you might have a novel idea in that someone a bit timid about a new thought or question would have the option to toss it out to the group anonymously. This would trigger new input. I’m supportive of your idea unless someone brings up a downside we’re not thinking about.
I agree with Drs. Aldrich and Fry. Being able to post questions anonymously may lead to more questions being posted and better discussions. I’ve never belonged to a group like this before but I think it would be difficult to follow advice from an anonymous person posting online.
Excellent comments. For CWT to “go live” we need 2 things. First we need a code of conduct which Bob has offered suggestions. Second, we need to get a set of “founder” that will “own” the CWT concept. As I have told everyone, I don’t want this to be “Larry’s group” but a distributed group. To that end, I suggest we have a founders meeting in early September somewhere central.
You have seen a post by CWT1. This is a very unusual situation that I have under control. This user would like to be a foundation member but is currently employed by a group that will not let them help outside consultants. I gave this person an ultimatum to become engage in the CWT discussion or be taken off the list of potential foundation members. They were afraid of someone “screenshooting” their comment and that getting back to their group. I agreed to set up an anonymous username for them. Once the founding member are designated, this will not be allowed. Everyone will be identified which is the only way we can gain trust. There are also people that are waiting to see where this goes. Once we go live, “consultants” will need to be people that actively provide recommendations to farms with personal harm if the recommendation is bad – skin in the game. Once we are live and everyone has “opted in or out” we will have a dynamic directory so that all consultants are identified and their email is hyperlinked so another consultant can contact them. Their will be no more “lerking” . I f you opt out – you need to leave. If you opt in – you need to participate. Of course, all of this is subject to the foundation meeting where my ideas can be overruled for the good of the cause.
Also, as we build a list of potential foundation members, I will change your status on the site to “Owner” where we will have our own set of post to discuss the governance of the group. Email me at info@thecwtgroup.com if you are interested in becoming a foundation member.
Hopefully you will have time to look at the draft polices for CWT. You can view them by clicking on the Policies Menu on the top of the home page. If you have comments, please send them to info@theCWTgroup.com