Dear Pavi and Bookshare list, I apologize for my strong, reactive response to the adult rating topic. In future, I will consider what I want to say, if it indeed should be said, and how to frame it in a polite, agreeable manner. I hope that no one was extremely offended by what I had to say. Chanelle ----- Original Message ----- From: Pavi Mehta To: bksvol-discuss@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Sent: Tuesday, September 08, 2009 11:48 PM Subject: [bksvol-discuss] Bookshare's Policy & Perspective on its Lists Hi All, In case it's useful, as a general reminder I'm including below a note sent awhile ago to the list regarding Bookshare's policy on its lists: List Objectives: Bookshare's primary objective in running these lists is to provide members and volunteers with a common platform to exchange ideas, questions and answers primarily relating to their work and experiences with Bookshare. In our view the lists are useful in as much as they facilitate sharing, foster cooperation and good-will, and promote lively, amicable discussion among its member and volunteer communities. Guidelines for List Users: When engaging in a debate or choosing to disagree with another member or volunteer, please be mindful of people's feelings. All posts whether on or off topic are expected to maintain the spirit of friendly cooperation, courtesy and mutual respect. In order to participate on Bookshare's lists each person subscribed is required to follow these guidelines. Reporting an Issue: If a person on the list feels that another list user is abusing this platform with posts of an unduly negative and/or offensive nature we ask that they write in their complaint off-list to volunteer@xxxxxxxxxxxxx I or another administrator will review the complaint and if deemed appropriate will write to the individual in question with a request that he or she refrain from posts of that nature if they wish to remain subscribed to the list. Whether or not the intention of the person who posts is to antagonize, injure or anger, if his or her posts elicit these or similar responses in other list users, and if posts of the same nature persist, the volunteer in question will be required to leave the list. My own exposure to the list has led me to a real appreciation of how much each one of you has to share. Collectively you have taken this platform and helped create a unique and deep-rooted sense of community among Bookshare's members and volunteers. We hope the objectives and guidelines put forward in this mail will help us address posts that have a detrimental effect on that sense of community. Please feel free to contact me if you have questions about any of the above. Warm regards, Pavi Mehta Volunteer Coordinator, Bookshare Benetech 480 S. California Ave., Suite 201 Palo Alto, CA 94306-1609 USA Phone: +1 650 644-3459