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Conference lgp30::christian-perspective

Title:Discussions from a Christian Perspective
Notice:Prostitutes and tax collectors welcome!
Moderator:CSC32::J_CHRISTIE
Created:Mon Sep 17 1990
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:1362
Total number of notes:61362

8.0. "Conference rules and moderation policy" by XANADU::FLEISCHER (without vision the people perish (381-0899 ZKO3-2/T63)) Fri Sep 21 1990 16:58

        This note is reserved for discussions of conference rules
        and moderation policy.

        Bob
T.RTitleUserPersonal
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8.1"supportive replies only" (SRO)?XANADU::FLEISCHERwithout vision the people perish (381-0899 ZKO3-2/T63)Tue Sep 25 1990 14:3413
        Some conferences (e.g., Womannotes, Parenting) establish a
        convention whereby a person who starts a topic can ask for
        "supportive replies only" (SRO).

        These are usually used by people who are asking a personally
        difficult and sensitive question.

        I would suggest that we adopt such a convention as well.  If
        a writer would like to request "supportive replies only",
        please include "SRO" (or "supportive replies only") in the
        note topic.

        Bob
8.2Moderators Message - re: Topic 31CARTUN::BERGGRENShower the people...Fri Sep 28 1990 17:2155
         Friends,
         
         After considerable discussion, the co-moderators 
         wish to express their thoughts and concern regarding 
    	 topic 31, the "Abortion Debate Note".
         
         The abortion debate is by far one of the most sensitive and 
         volatile issues confronting us today and has produced 
         ramifications throughout all areas of our lives:  social, 
         economical, political, and spiritual.  It has been presented  
         for discussion in other note conferences, and in several 
         instances the debate has become so heated the topic has had 
         to be halted in one way or another.
         
         At this point we are concerned that with the creation of 
         topic 31, a similar situation could arise.  We wish to 
         express our appreciation that is has not, and our desire 
    	 that it does not.  No moderator in this conference is interested 
    	 in exercising excessive, dictatorial-type moderation or censorship.  
    	 We _are_ interested and committed to help create and encourage 
    	 a sense of community here where we can discuss issues, get better 
    	 acquainted, and whenever possible, learn from each other. 
         
         We are open and gladly receptive to your wishes in this as well, 
    	 for this is a community conference.  For those of you who may 
    	 wish to debate in this note, now or in the future, with consideration
    	 for the above, you are welcome to do so.  Please use as much 
    	 discretion as you possibly can in your replies.  If the emotion 
    	 escalates and we feel the topic is getting out of hand, the 
    	 moderators will have to take steps to write-lock it or otherwise 
    	 discontinue the activity.
         
         We totally support the discussion-oriented context created in 
         the base note of topics 29 and 30.  Since there is a common 
         theme throughout topics 29 - 31, as long as topics 29 and 30 
         remain discussion-oriented, the thoughts we've expressed here 
         do not apply to them.
         
         Thank you for your participation in this community and for 
         your sensitive consideration of the thoughts we've expressed 
         above, and for the those of your neighbors.
         
         Sincerely,
         
         The co-moderators:
         
         Mike Valenza	Bob Fleischer
         Bob Messenger	Richard Jones-Christie
         Karen Berggren
         
         p.s. Co-moderators, if I've left out anything from our 
         	discussions please feel free to add or clarify any of 
         	  the above to your satisfaction.
         
         peace and blessings all. --Kb
8.3"yellow light"CARTUN::BERGGRENShower the people...Wed Oct 03 1990 11:0812
    Please use the terms to describe the two different
    points of view in notes 29 - 31 as either
    
    "Pro-Choice" or "Pro-Life"
    
    Also, a reminder to direct your comments to people's *viewpoints*.
    
    Thank you for your cooperation,
    
    Karen
    (co-moderator)
    
8.4CARTUN::BERGGRENShower the people...Mon Oct 08 1990 11:079
    Friends,
    
    Please be advised that notes 35.23 - 35.26 have been set hidden
    by the moderators pending the resolution of the issue off-line.
    
    Thank you for your patience and understanding,
    
    Karen
    (Co-moderator)
8.5CSC32::M_VALENZAWhistle while you note.Thu Oct 11 1990 11:4413
    If any member of the community wishes to post a note anonymously, they
    may do so by sending it to one of the moderators, along with any
    information necessary for posting it (such as the title, or what topic
    to reply to if it is not a base note).

    The identity of an anonymous author will not be divulged to anyone who
    is not a moderator.

    If anyone would like to send mail to the author of an anonymous note,
    you can send mail to the moderator who posted it.  Please specify the
    note number that you are referring to.
    
    -- Mike
8.6CSC32::M_VALENZANote under water.Tue Oct 16 1990 01:087
    I would like to urge people to respect prayer requests that are posted
    in this notes conference with supportive replies only.  Therefore,
    unless otherwise specified, I would hope that we can consider such
    requests to be SRO topics.
    
    Thanks,
    Mike V. (Co-moderator)
8.7Definition of ChristianityDECWIN::MESSENGERBob MessengerThu Oct 18 1990 10:5913
    For the purpose of deciding which notes are suitable for inclusion in
    this conference, Christianity is defined according to definition 1
    given in the American Heritage Dictionary.
    
    	A Christian religion, founded on the teachings of Jesus.
    
    It is the intention of the moderators to interpret this definition in
    an inclusive way.  The moderators reserve the right to encourage noters
    to move materal that is about faiths not founded on the teachings of
    Jesus to the Religion file, and leave a pointer to that file in this
    one.

    				-- Bob (co-moderator)
8.8Moderators message on noting style & behaviorCARTUN::BERGGRENPlease, don't squeeze the shaman...Thu Oct 18 1990 17:43107
    	There have been complaints made to the moderators about some 
    notes which have been entered (by more than one author) and considered 
    offensive.  We have been asked to consider taking action and issuing 
    a conference guideline regarding them.
    
    	We strongly encourage all people to communicate their thoughts, 
    feelings and opinions in a way that is respectful to other people and 
    their beliefs, and by and large, this is how communication has taken 
    place here.  
    
    	As moderators of this conference our moderating activities must 
    be in accordance with the policies outlined in the Personnel Policy 
    and Procedures manual, or we risk termination of this notesfile.  An 
    excerpt of this policy (6.54) from the Personnel Policy and 
    Procedures states:
    
    	....Examples of misuse [of Digital's equipment] include, but 
    	are not limited to, transmitting sexual or ethnic jokes or slurs, 
    	soliciting other employees, developing chain letters, making 
    	defamatory statements....
    
    	In addition, these conferences may not be used to promote 
    	behavior which is contrary to the Company's values or policy 
    	(i.e., they may not promote discrimination, disrespect for the 
    	individual, violence, etc.)  It is the responsibility of 
    	employees who utilize such notes files to do so in a manner 
    	consistent with both the letter and spirit of this policy and the 
    	Company's values.  The Company reserves the right to terminate 
    	any notesfile it believes is inappropriate or in violation of 
    	this policy.
    
    	We highly recommend keeping the above guidelines in mind when 
    choosing your noting language, with careful consideration of the 
    risks and responsibilities you take upon yourself and a notesfile 
    conference when making entries which can be considered offensive and 
    disrespectful to others.
    
    	The moderators will take the appropriate action on any notes that 
    are in direct conflict with the above policy.  If any notes are 
    set-hidden or deleted, a general message will be issued advising this 
    community of the reason for the action.  We will then contact the  
    author of the note in question informing them of the reason(s) for 
    the action and request that they edit their note if they would like 
    it re-entered.  
    
    	The moderators will enforce the requests of people who enter base 
    topics or responses using the SRO (Supportive Replies Only) notation, 
    and reserve the right to take immediate action against any replies 
    that are felt to be non-supportive in nature, by responding similarly 
    to such notes as described in the above paragraph.
    
    	Any note which contains potentially offensive language, but are 
    not clearly in direct conflict with the policy, we reserve the right 
    to take action on, which also may include not taking action.  In this 
    case we entrust each participant to use their own discretion to 
    handle any note(s) which they deem offensive as they see fit, and 
    recommend the following actions, in this order:	
    
    	1)  Hit next unseen.
    	2)  Read it and ignore it.
    	3)  Contact the author and work the issue off-line.
    	4)  Enter a note in the "Processing Topic" note to state your own 
    	      opinion and/or to solicit opinions of other participants
    	5)  Contact a moderator(s) to assist in possible resolution.
    
    	It may also be helpful to consider the following thoughts 
    recorded in 2 Timothy 23-26 as they apply to these situations:
    
    	Have nothing to do with stupid, senseless controversies;  you 
    	know they only breed quarrels.  And the Lord's servant must not 
    	be quarrelsome but kindly to every one, an apt teacher, 
    	forbearing, correcting his opponents with gentleness.  God may 
    	perhaps grant that they will repent and come to know the truth.
    
    	We feel it is most beneficial for all to keep the guidelines in 
    this conference as unrestrictive as possible, for each person has 
    their own gauge of what they find offensive on any given day, and to 
    some degree this differs from day to day and person to person.  For 
    this reason we feel it is inappropriate to try to enforce a set 
    standard of noting etiquette upon the entire conference, but will 
    re-consider this decision in the future if it appears that the 
    lifespan of the conference is in jeopardy. 
    
    	What we have suggested herein may not be the perfect solution, 
    but we feel it is the most workable and the most fair at this 
    time.  The moderators will diligently strive to be as consistent as 
    possible in their application of all moderating actions.  
    
    	We trust that all people who find value in noting and the concept 
    of notesfile conferences will create a way to work together to insure 
    this community and others continue in the future, for issues that 
    escalate to Personnel from any conference can jeopardize the 
    existance of all.  Given that these are times of unprecedented 
    change and cutbacks in the company, we believe it would behoove us 
    all to carefully re-consider company policy and values regarding 
    notesfile participation.
    
    	Thank you for your understanding and collaboration as we continue 
    to find ways to creatively and respectfully dialogue together.
    
    	Your diligent moderators,
    
    	Bob Fleischer	Richard Jones-Christie	
    	Mike Valenza	Bob Messenger
    	Karen Berggren
    
8.9Digital's Policies and ProceduresCSC32::J_CHRISTIEA Higher CallingMon Oct 29 1990 19:4320
 | Examples of misuse include, but are not limited to,
 | transmitting sexual or ethnic jokes or slurs, soliciting other
 | employees, developing chain letters, making defamatory
                                        ^^^^^^ ^^^^^^^^^^
 | statements, disclosing private facts about any individual or
   ^^^^^^^^^^
 | organization, inappropriate disclosure of Company Proprietary or
 | Confidential Information, permitting unauthorized access, etc.

 | In addition, these conferences may not be used to promote
 | behavior which is contrary to the Company's values or policy
 | (i.e., they may not promote discrimination, disrespect for the
          ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
 | individual, violence, etc.).  It is the responsibility of
 | employees who utilize such notes files to do so in a manner
 | consistent with both the letter and spirit of this policy and the
 | Company's values.

Richard
Co-Moderator
8.10A call for brevity wherever possibleCSC32::J_CHRISTIECenterpeaceWed Aug 14 1991 16:475
Three (3) or more recent postings have exceeded the 100 line maximum guideline.
All participants are requested to please consider summarizing lengthy entries.

Richard Jones-Christie
Co-moderator/CHRISTIAN-PERSECTIVE
8.11Message from John Sims regarding notes file participationDECWIN::MESSENGERBob MessengerThu Jan 30 1992 17:5178
                  I N T E R O F F I C E   M E M O R A N D U M
 
                                        Date:     30-Jan-1992 
                                        From:     John Sims
                                                  SIMS.JOHN AT A1 at CORA @ CORE
                                        Dept:     Strategic Resources
                                        Tel No:   223-7243
 
TO:  Employee Interest Notes File Participants 
 
 
Subject:  A message to employee interest notes file users                          
 
           A MESSAGE TO EMPLOYEE INTEREST NOTES FILE USERS
    
    
    Over the last few months I have received a number of complaints 
    from employees, and individuals outside of the company about 
    material communicated in electronic mail systems and posted in 
    various employee interest notes files.  After reading some of this 
    material it is clear that a reminder about appropriate comment and 
    behavior in these systems is necessary.
    
    First, and most critically; the electronic mail systems and notes 
    files are company facilities subject to normal workplace rules of 
    conduct.   As such, the same rules that govern conduct and comment 
    in any other Digital workplace apply with equal weight in these 
    systems.  Stated simply, if you wouldn't say something in a 
    Digital business meeting, you shouldn't say it in electronic mail 
    or notes. PERIOD.  
    
    Statements that attribute improper, illegal or immoral motives or 
    actions to others; statements that cast aspersions on the 
    character or integrity of others or that amount to libel or 
    slander are not permitted. PERIOD.  In this regard, it does not 
    matter whether the individuals subject to the comment are elected 
    public officials or directors of organizations disfavored by the 
    author.   There is no "Public Figure" exception in these systems.
    
    Comments of a sexual nature are not acceptable whether they are 
    about the author or directed at others.  Similarly, comments that 
    degrade, devalue or discriminate against others are also 
    prohibited.
    
    Neither the notes conferences nor electronic mail should be used 
    to solicit other employees.  This prohibition covers efforts to 
    solicit employees for personal or political gain, to sell or 
    market goods or services (except authorized marketplace or 
    discount conferences) and efforts to solicit employees to take 
    action, sign petitions or support particular causes or candidates.
    
    Finally, employees should remember that it is never appropriate to 
    spend working time in employee interest notes for non-work 
    purposes.  Personal or entertainment activities in these notes 
    files should be limited to assigned break times, lunch time and 
    before or after business hours.  
    
    Employee interest notes files and conferences provide an 
    electronic forum to share ideas and opinions about matters of 
    common interest.  In supporting these conferences, the company 
    understood that there would be occasions where employees would 
    disagree on issues being discussed, but we believed and continue 
    to believe it is possible to disagree without being disagreeable.  
    Personnel Policy 6.54, Proper Use of Digital Computers, Systems 
    and Networks provides further information about appropriate 
    conduct and comment in these systems.  Employees who fail to meet 
    these expectations, or who use company computer systems in ways 
    that are contrary to the letter or spirit of that policy are 
    subject to Corrective Action and Discipline up to and including 
    the termination of their employment.
    
    The moderators of these conferences, along with your system 
    managers, personnel representatives and the Personnel Policy 
    Manager are all available to answer any question you might have 
    about appropriate use of these systems.
    
    Please feel free to forward this memo to other Digital notes 
    files and conferences.
8.12CARTUN::BERGGRENshaman, re-member yourself.Thu Mar 12 1992 15:5510
    Additionally, notes 417.6 and 417.30 have been set-hidden with the 
    possibility that others may be set-hidden as well, while the 
    moderators review them for infringements of Corporate Guidelines 
    noted in John Sims memo dated 30-Jan-1992.  
    
    For further details of these Corporate Guidelines, please refer to 8.11.
    
    Thank you,
    
    Karen
8.13WMOIS::REINKE_Banticipation anniversaryThu Mar 12 1992 16:088
    Additionally notes 154.53, 154.47 and 154.42 and 417.18 have been set 
    hidden for the same reason as given in 8.12
    
    Thankyou
    
    Bonnie
    comoderator 
    
8.19a note to all participants re "authority"LGP30::FLEISCHERwithout vision the people perish (381-0899 ZKO3-2/T63)Fri Nov 13 1992 14:3117
        The only authority that the moderators of this conference
        have and exercise is the authority to enforce Digital
        corporate policy -- period.

        There is NO ONE who as a participant in this conference has
        or exercises teaching, theological, or religious authority --
        period.

        When a moderator -- or anybody else in this conference --
        writes on a religious topic they are not doing so from a
        position of authority.

        Do not regard any moderator in this conference as having any
        religious authority over the religious content of this
        conference -- they don't have any such authority.

        Bob
8.14DPDMAI::DAWSONt/hs+ws=Formula for the futureWed Dec 16 1992 16:5611
    
    		I think its time to reiterate this conference's wish that
    reply's be limited to 100 lines or less.  Those who are using
    DEC-Windows to read and write have their terminals locked up for an
    extended period time reading a note longer than 100 lines.  Please
    break up any reply's longer into two or more seperate notes.
    
    
    
    Dave Dawson
    C-P co-mod.
8.20DPDMAI::DAWSONt/hs+ws=Formula for the futureWed Dec 30 1992 14:3329
From LIVE WIRE December 22, 1992.
    
                                  Worldwide News

      Digital cracks down on misuse of computers, systems, and networks 

  Digital's systems and network utilities are powerful business tools, which 
  encourage creativity and the exchange of ideas needed to maintain a 
  competitive edge.  They are intended to support the company's business 
  activities, to enhance the cost effectiveness and efficient running of the 
  business, and to help employees be more effective in doing their jobs.  

  Comment and content in Digital's systems must meet established workplace 
  standards of behavior, and Digital intends to audit its systems to ensure 
  that these standards are met.  Violations of the company's policies can 
  result in corrective action and discipline up to and including termination 
  of employment.

  Recently, employees involved in the transmission of pornographic material 
  through Digital's computer systems and networks were immediately terminated.
  The investigation of that case continues, and others found to be involved 
  will also be terminated.
    
  The worldwide policy on "Proper Use of Digital's Computers, Systems and 
  Networks" is published in the U.S. in the "Orange Book" of Personnel 
  Policies and Procedures (6.54) and can be accessed through the Corporate 
  Videotex Library.  Employees are encouraged to read and understand this 
  policy and to discuss any questions with their manager or Personnel 
  consultant.
8.15On keeping notes write-enabledCSC32::J_CHRISTIEPeace WarriorMon Jan 04 1993 11:4020
The moderators of CHRISTIAN-PERSPECTIVE have conferred off-line and
after considering a number of options, it was decided to adopt a
policy of keeping conference strings free of being write-locked,
with the exception of conference specific notes (such as this one).

The moderators understand the desire to maintain continuity or create a
package of uninterrupted entries.  In order to do that, one might create
several entries off line in advance and then post them together, one right
after the other.

Also, basenotes may be designated SRO - Supportive Replies Only - and an
adjacent note set up for general discussion.

The one string which had been previously write-locked (Note 420) has been
write-enabled and is now marked SRO - Supportive Replies Only.  Note 421
is for discussion of 420.

Richard Jones-Christie
Co-moderator/CHRISTIAN-PERSPECTIVE.

8.17NON-BUSINESS USE OF NOTES FILES (discuss elsewhere)LGP30::FLEISCHERwithout vision the people perish (381-0899 ZKO2-2/T63)Tue Aug 03 1993 17:4735
        The participants of Christian-Perspective should be aware
        that the elimination of non-business notes conferences is
        under discussion at high levels in the company.

        A memo from Win Hindle dated July 29 says that Bob Palmer
        made it clear at an Internal Controls Committee meeting that
        Digital should not pay for such conferences.

        This same memo states that Ron Glover should investigate the
        effect on morale of shutting down non-business notes
        conferences.  Win states that he believes that this "will
        seriously hurt our already fragile morale."

        In particular, Win states that he does not want to have
        another decision that they may be forced to reverse.

        Win also asks Peter Brown to estimate the dollar savings in
        network costs which would result from eliminating such
        conferences.

        Win concludes by saying that this data should be obtained
        prior to a "SLT discussion with Bob Palmer" to decide the
        fate of the conferences.

        I believe that Win is sincerely looking for justification for
        keeping such conferences open.  Perhaps thoughtfully-worded
        support sent to Ron Glover would be appropriate.

        (Also see the discussion of this topic in Note 2605. of the
        HUMANE::DIGITAL notes conference.)

        Please do not discuss this under this Christian-Perspective
        topic.

        Bob
8.18ReminderCSC32::J_CHRISTIEPacifist HellcatThu Mar 03 1994 23:3913
    Contributors:
    
    Please watch the length of your entries.  Though not strictly monitored
    or enforced, there is (and has been) a 100 line length guideline to entries
    in this conference.

    Consider it a courtesy.
    
    Please paraphrase wherever possible.
    
    Richard Jones-Christie
    Co-Moderator/CHRISTIAN-PERSPECTIVE
    
8.21On postings which exceed 100 linesCSC32::J_CHRISTIEPs. 85.10Thu Jan 25 1996 11:1017
    Please remember to refrain from posting entries which exceed 100 lines.
    See notes 8.10 and 8.18.

    Note 8.14 refers to a problem with DECwindows which we have been advised
    has been fixed.

    However, it is the feeling of the moderators that lengthy entries tend
    to be cumbersome and less conducive to dialogue than succinct entries.
    This, of course, would apply also to lengthy entries which are merely
    broken up into shorter serial entries.

    Therefore, the moderators still strongly encourage participants to
    observe the 100 line guideline wherever possible.

    Richard Jones-Christie
    Co-Moderator/CHRISTIAN-PERSPECTIVE