Bob Harrison wrote:
> For the most part what is said on BEE-L stays on BEE-L. 
 
Not so!  BEE-L reaches way beyond the Internet.  Discussions on BEE-L serve as the seed for articles in the trade magazines.  The editors of the major US beekeeping magazines subscribe.  BEE-L is also a source for local newsletter articles.
 
Researchers and extension agents lurk on the list.  Would that more participated, but it's understandable why they do not, when their participation leads to being browbeaten and misquoted it's easier to listen to the conversations than to converse.  But ideas and discussions on BEE-L DO make it back to the labs, either directly, by word of mouth, or a simple mail forward from a subscriber who is friendly with someone who does not subscribe.
 
BEE-L is not a closed environment, it is open and far reaching.  It is not hallway discussion, and things that are said ARE in print and directly attributable to the author.  I agree that the tough issues should be discussed on BEE-L, but the discussion should not be "Wild West" where one can say anything with wild abandon and disregard for what they say.  
 
Aaron Morris - Thinking there is accountability in this world.

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