[Businessmtg] (OT) Off Topic Discussions

[List Administrator]

Biz-Pals, 

Just because a topic is "off topic" doesn't mean it's unimportant. Just
as true, just because an off topic sidebar is pushed by a few members
doesn't mean it's in the majority. We must remember that minorities have
a voice, too. 

ASP has an agreed-to process for doing its business*. Occasionally some
members revolt against this process. Online this can easily blossom into
chaos; and this temptation toward chaos is precisely why ASP has a set
process to do business. 

In the sidebar matter at hand ASP's elected Steering Committee performed
its appointed duty which affected a single group member. A few closely
associated friends of that member with a few others have chosen to
loudly challenge ASP's leadership over their decision. One would think,
measured by volume, that they are in the majority. If they are, that's
one thing. If they are not it's another and serves to scare away other
members of the Business Committee and keep them from contributing. 

I don't want to argue this situation - can't really (think J.A.D.E.).
Anonymities are to be protected at all times. I do, though, want to
respond to the questions the complainants have posed. So I propose that
on or about the 22nd of this month - provided the discussions of the
Newcomer Committee have died down - I, and other elected ASP officers
should they so choose, will answer all those questions and any which may
then arise. That would give us a full week to cover this ground as best
as we are able considering the anonymity limitations we are under and
the online format in which we meet. 

So, unless there is meaningful objection to this I will announce the
tabling of the current agenda topic this Saturday morning the 22nd, and
address my answers to the posed questions; other officers may as well. 

Meanwhile the topic remains: Newcomer Committee. 

In service, 

Jerry H., Chair 

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* General Description of ASP's Business Process: 

  Members submit their topic ideas, concerns, and thoughts to the
Steering Committee which then by consensus forms the Business Meeting
Agenda and gives it to the Business Meeting Chair. The Business Meeting
is guided by this Agenda for its discussions which, following ASP's
Knowledge-Based Decision Making process (KBDM), may result in Group
Conscience actions. 

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