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