The listmothers on Lactnet do. We strive on Lactnet to maintain a climate that fosters fruitful discussion between people of equal human worth and different areas of knowledge and expertise. The most fruitful discussions of all are those in which disagreements are illuminated. Such discussion elevates all the participants, primarily as humans and secondarily as supporters of breastfeeding. This form of discourse is not common on internet fora, where speed of response, anonymity and its accompanying lack of accountability abound. Not everyone seems to know how to participate in discourse where equality among participants is assumed, interpreting a challenge to their opinions as an affront to themselves as people. The sad part is that when this is reflected back to the challenger, it becomes just such an affront. It isn't always possible to know whether this is because someone willfully chooses to be inflammatory or because they lack the social skills to express themselves in any other way. In e-mail all we have is the words, without benefit of the richness of non-verbal communication. In the last twenty-four hours we have seen several concerned posts to the list from subscribers who have reacted to an inflammatory post, and we have had a number of private messages of concern to the listmothers. That is why we are posting now. We do not endorse rudeness to other subscribers, and we certainly do not endorse a cavalier attitude to the underhanded marketing tactics of the industry that makes breastmilk substitutes, ingratiating themselves with health care workers through things that have nothing to do with breastfeeding but everything to do with fostering a positive feeling toward the company, which they know from their well-financed research does have an effect on their own sales. We feel it is vital that Lactnet subscribers be aware that we do have colleagues for whom the connection between marketing tactics and our attitudes to companies remains unproven. We have colleagues who are unaccustomed to, or possibly uninterested in, exchanging viewpoints with respect. We hope that the respect and care shown by the vast majority of subscribers here will continue to keep the atmosphere on this list open. Private correspondence remains an option when two or more subscribers wish to continue a discussion that is not appropriate for the list. Before entering into such correspondence, please consider whether you can spare the energy you might otherwise put to good use helping mothers with breastfeeding. We find it opportune to repeat the listmothers' standing offer to read through a post you are thinking of sending to Lactnet, if you are in doubt about whether it is suitable. You can reach the listmothers at [log in to unmask] For the listmothers, in consensus, Rachel Myr *********************************************** To temporarily stop your subscription: set lactnet nomail To start it again: set lactnet mail (or digest) To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet All commands go to [log in to unmask] The LACTNET email list is powered by LISTSERV (R). There is only one LISTSERV. To learn more, visit: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html