Va-Birders,
The personal attack on Mr. Goddard for presenting his opinion was out of line
by any standard of decency. Such attacks have no place in this community. The
fact that the attack was made off-list does not make it OK.
Having said that, this incident should serve as a reminder to all of us that
the primary purpose of this list is to share reports of interesting bird
sightings. Presenting an opinion on a controversial subject is an invitation
to confrontation. We don't need that here. There are other places for that.
Tell us about the birds you've seen, and keep it at that.
Please DO NOT start a debate about the purpose of this list. If you wish to
comment on the purpose of the list server, write to me off-list and I will
share your opinion with the VSO Board.
Thank you.
David Spears
Va-bird List Administrator and Acting Moderator
(for the Virginia Society of Ornithology)
