For sure! Of course politics, etc., are much related to museology and as you point out, these discussions should be appropriate! Some of us were able to extract bits and pieces from that thread that may be relevent to issues we are facing in museums...it soon became clear that wasn't the intent of the thread, as it wasn't tying into any of that. In fact, but for a few responses to the original thread (some, interesting still)...the relevent issues still weren't explicitly addressed! Some of the replies alluded to relevent political issues...I could tell there were some of us that wanted to bring forth the relevent political issues...but refrained, mostly because we didn't want to respond to an inappropriate thread. Since I am new to the list, I would think that in the more recent past there has been discussions about the political situation and how the economy is affecting museum attendance, etc. I regret missing that, and have only learned of the impact gas prices have had at one museum...the director told me attendance there was down 50%...and so donations, gift shops sales, etc., and having to lay off a p/t employee as a result. The museum where I work - we only had $45 in the donation jar for the entire season so far (which ends next weekend, and I'll have the attendance figured then). But I won't delve further into that issue in this reply. And I won't say much about freedom of speech but that I have found that there has been some (not a lot) intolerance to threads that are museum-related. This, I found to be puzzling and somewhat oppressive. Personally, I don't have an issue with managing my e-mail from this list as I have a dedicated e-mail addy for this and other related work and research. And, until I get the PC for the museum where I work, I am doing my internet research from home and have more time to leisurely peruse these e-mails. Regardless, I would suggest that the list be more aggressive about dealing with inappropriate threads by immediately letting the person who posted it know the thread is unacceptable (some did though), and that we otherwise refrain from responding to the thread. If we do find some relevence, we can post anew. Also, if a member has an issue of concern that isn't popular...perhaps they could invite the discussion to go offlist? Just some thoughts -Pam In a message dated 8/28/2005 10:09:55 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, [log in to unmask] writes: OK; I can't help, after seeking advice from a wise member of this listserve. from saying the following: There are a fair number of folks who have said, with regard the recent flood of emails on a subject which might be called political, "That being said, I am still struggling to understand the relevance of this thread to museums." Also, "Freedom of Speech" has been mentioned often. To make my point, detailed below, let me provide an example. During Sunday morning services, a member of the congregation stands up and makes a short and vehement speech on the merits of butter vs. margarine in the American diet. The congregation looks at this person as being slightly addled, considering it an inappropriate place/venue and time for stating this position, yet the person defends the action as "Freedom of Speech." The issue at hand is not Freedom of Speech, but Appropriateness. Many of us believe that the purpose of this listserve is to share opinions, and seek advise, on museum operations and issues directly related to museums. It seems inappropriate, for those of us already overloaded with emails, to use this listserve for political or social discussion, for chats or debates on subjects not directly related to the operations of museums. To declare that there is a legal right of freedom of speech to do so, without considering the issue of appropriateness of the venue, appears to be strange at best and grossly inconsiderate at worst. Is there a reason for belonging to Museum-L? Is that reason to participate in political and social debate? Is it unreasonable to recognize the concept of appropriate of place and time? Is it unreasonable to respect others who participate in Museum-L and their desire and/or need to keep the list focused to its purpose? Of the many listerves to which I belong, this is the only place where the purpose of the listserve is ignored. Please do not spam me back with the freedom of speech lecture, ignoring the very real concern of purpose and appropriateness of venue. /ken Pamela Silvestri, Museum Assistant Northeast States Civilian Conservation Corps Museum Shenipsit State Forest 166 Chestnut Hill Road Stafford Springs, Connecticut 06076 (860) 684-3430 ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).