California Surveyors Forums

Upon pondering the recent discussions about the forum, a few things trouble me. Please note I have been out of town and engaged in other acts of Democracy that have consumed me so I haven't been involved. There seems to be a growing discord amongst forum users and they do not appear to be healthy. No matter what your feelings are, it is evident that the exchange of ideas is being discouraged and now, censored. Considering the forum is one of the benefits of the organization, why is it under attack?

I believe a committee should be formed to revisit the forum. The program itself is outdated and the intended uses never materialized. One of the things that is most striking is the fact that two thirds of the forums are not ever used. What does that say? The most active one is the General Discussion and that is the one under attack. What about the ones never used? This would indicated that whoever is administering the forum is either out of touch or not in tune with modern communication protocol. Why aren't these forums being used or why haven't they ever been used? One thing I do know (think MySpace) is if this is not worked out, a replacement will surface further impairing CLSA's standing in the land surveying community. Is that the goal here?

These forums are NEVER used.


CLSA Legislative Committee Members
This forum is for CLSA Legislative Committee Members only

CLSA Executive Committee
This forum is for CLSA Executive Committee Members only

CLSA PPC
This forum is for CLSA PPC Members only.

CLSA ATC
This forum is for CLSA Advanced Technology Committee members only

CLSA Education Committee
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CLSA Past President's Committee
This forum is for CLSA Past President's only.

County Surveyor Forum
This password protected board is provided as a forum for County Surveyors and their staff

I am not sure what the Intended use was, but for me, the forum is a BIG benefit. Being in a rural area and located between local chapters this is my main contact with my peers. The sharing of ideas, whether I agree or not, allows me to keep things in perspective. AS to the Co. Surveyors forum not being used, that is incorrect. We use it and I rely about it for share ideas and resolve issues. I can post a single question and receive 58 responses.
I agree people need to be sensitive to others and respective. Overall this forum is a useful tool that needs to stay in place.

Just my 2 cents.

My point exactly. According to the webpage the County Surveyors Forum, according to the forum home page (the picture I posted) it is never used. Is that correct or incorrect? Please open the home page and what does it say?

Please see the attached. Is this true or not?

Mike,

My understanding of the forums that say "Never" under last post, is that the general users of the forum will never see that information. Only the members of the committees or groups that are allowed to used those forums can see that information.

Ryan, that is correct, as a user, for me it shows the use. To date there have been 165 posts.

Most of those other forums do get some use, although not a lot. The Indicators of "Never" for last post, and the zeros for numbers of posts and threads are misleading. If you are logged in with the appropriate committee password, you can see the actual number of existing threads & posts, as well as the most recent thread title, poster, and date/time posted, just as with the other forums.

I have some opinions about the new rules, but am thinking it over a while before I post them. Like with most other matters for which there strong opinions, both sides have valid points, and those points need to be recognized to make discussion meaningful and potentially productive.

Why do public employees get a Private Forum, isn't govt supposed to be transparent?

What I have read of the rules can only be considered Censorship.

because the Board of Directors (not the executive board, rather YOUR chapter's representatives) has directed

Interesting, not the way I heard it. Of course I'm old so maybe I missed a word or two, to, too.

Discussion board rules were provided in a "draft" format included in the agenda, voted on and approved at the July meeting.

Not saying how I voted.
OK, I voted no.

I'm sure interested parties can get Board minutes if they make the attempt.

land butcher wrote:Why do public employees get a Private Forum, isn't govt supposed to be transparent?

Uuuuhhhh.....

CLSA isn't a government agency. The county surveyors didn't set up that forum with public funds. CLSA provides it for them as a courtesy.

CLSA provides it for them as a courtesy.

Why?

to freely exchange information, ideas and issues

M Pallamary asked the same question of these forums that I recently asked of the incoming CLSA President. Why can’t these forums be accessed by the general membership? I understand the need for the committee members to be able to openly discuss the details of the issues and topics the different committees are charged with. I also know the non committee, general membership can attend the committee meetings as observers. So why restrict the membership from viewing the postings on the committee forums?


[font=&quot]What would be the harm in letting the general membership “viewâ€￾ the discussions without the ability to contribute. These committees are ostensibly making decisions and advising the BOD on matters that affect the entire surveying profession, not just CLSA members. It would benefit everyone to know the rational and reasoning for the decisions the committees arrive at. It may even encourage more participation and involvement by members that otherwise feel alienated by the atmosphere of secrecy that currently surrounds the BOD.[/font]

What other CLSA forums have had posts removed?

RAM wrote:to freely exchange information, ideas and issues

In secret? What are they discussing that the taxpayers can't know about?