Announcing the Launch of the Collington Residents Internal Private E-mail Distribution System (Listserve)

When the Technology Committee launched this website, we also announced that in order to provide a private alternative communication system for residents, we would move towards developing and launching a private internal e-mail distribution list.

Following approval by the Residents Association Council of the governing policies and procedures, that day has now come.

In next few days, we will be loading all known resident e-mails into this system, thereby enrolling most folks.  Once your e-mail is entered you will receive an e-mail telling your of your enrollment and explaining the system, and how to use it.

When we have finished the enrollment we will announce that fact in the Courier, and asking that, if you have not been enrolled, you contact us (richard@zorza.net) to get enrolled.

Once you are enrolled, any email sent to the list will be automatically forwarded to everyone, without any process of review.  Every such email will include instructions for getting removed from the list, or for sending a new message to the list.

The full policy and procedures document is at this link, and is also pasted below.  However the most important provision, beyond the privacy of the list, is the language governing acceptable postings:

This tool is designed for limited access, and is therefore appropriate for a wide range of content.  .   .   .  

“Shaming” of community related individuals, including residents and staff, should be avoided. Which is not to say that legitimate and appropriate policy discussion of steps taken by individuals is forbidden. The test is whether a point or comment would be appropriate in a small meeting, in which respect and assumptions of good faith are part of our philosophy.

While political and religious comments are appropriate, they should be limited and respectful of residents. Matters not-relating to Collington are not prohibited, but should be offered with some restraint.

Here is the  full document:

Collington Resident Association Listserve

Policies and Procedures

Purpose

The purpose of the Collingon Resident Association Listserve is to enhance the lives of residents and particularly their access to information and communication.

Private Community Use

The list will be open only to residents. It is the companion tool to www.collingtonresidents.org, which is generally public.

Content Principles

This tool is designed for limited access, and is therefore appropriate for a wide range of content.

Content Control

The list will not be moderated. However, one who abuses the “content concerns” listed below is subject to restriction, including pre-moderation, and, ultimately, removal of posting capacity.

Content Concerns

Contributing residents are asked to bear in mind the feelings of readers, and to bear in mind the following:

1. “Shaming” of community related individuals, including residents and staff, should be avoided. Which is not to say that legitimate and appropriate policy discussion of steps taken by individuals is forbidden. The test is whether a point or comment would be appropriate in a small meeting, in which respect and assumptions of good faith are part of our philosophy.

2. While political and religious comments are appropriate, they should be limited and respectful of residents. Matters not-relating to Collington are not prohibited, but should be offered with some restraint.

Issues

No complaints are anticipated. While ultimate decisions about content will be made by the Resident Association, it is assumed that the vast majority of decisions will be simple, and resolved by the Chair of the Technology Committee, any Committee that is established for this function, or the Committee as a whole.

 

Enjoy.  The Committee hopes that this new tool will enhance communication and participation.