COMMENT:

by Jarrett Smith -

Some people misinterpret messages, others write ones they later regret, some people write without knowing all the facts, some messages are too tame, others too fearce. That is how lists work, like life they are not perfect. If we all agreed with everything on here, no-one would bother writing anything! Do the National Press or for that matter the public (even MP's in the same party!) constantly praise the government, business leaders, council officals? That is what standing on a committee is all about - "if you can't take the heat... get out the kitchen" as they
say.

I am all for supporting National and praising members and I make a regular habit of doing so but don't expect members to say bad is good on issues where it clearly is not! It's counter productive. My advice (from people who should know, including Ian Grey who runs his own list server) has been constantly to let the list find it's own way. I am all for advice and opinion but not, "SOD YOU!" What kind of leadership is that? If the NEC want to direct the list, I am sorry. The rules clearly state that requests from National Officers regarding the list should be followed but that does not include censorship of mail! Think again!

I can not direct 160 members, censor their posts, reject those not suitable, edit mail - that is a full time job! If someone thinks they can fine, if thats what the members want. I have done my best, a good moderator should be providing the service and not telling members what to write all the time! 18 Plus is about fun, about playing a part - the later of which I have done since my first week as a member, the former I'd like to get back to! 18 Plus should not be about facing off this kind of stupidity every other month for anyone.

I began this list as a means of debating serious issues, keeping in-touch and I have always said it should also be fun - otherwise it caters for the few serious types. I am sorry if people feel it has gone too far toward the humour angle. Others seemed to take the opposite view. How do you get it right? At the end of the day if members didn't like the list they would vote with their feet. As it's use, which is very heavy compared to similar sized lists, demonstrates that clearly isn't so.

National are being divisive, instead of constructive. They are over steping their powers, upseting members and proposing division in order to force their views through, instead of working together with members. As far as I'm concerned I'm happy to provide this list as long as people want it. When they don't fine. As things stand 18 Plus could do with all the help it can get - "isn't it ironic?" - unfortunatly it would seem there are not enough members who agree 100% with national to fill all the posts.

The freedom of expression is a fundamental human right enshrined in Article 19 of the Universal Charter of Human Rights and Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, the latter incorporated into UK law under the Human Rights Act 2000.

"Everyone has the right to freedom of expression. This right shall include freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart information and ideas without interference by public authority and regardless of frontiers" (Extract from Article 10 of the European Convention of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, 1950).

The freedom of expression underpins all other human rights. It is the means by which other human rights are defended and extended. In the Information Age the freedom of expression takes on additional importance, as the ability to send and receive information, regardless of frontiers, comes increasingly to dominate our economic, social and cultural life. A new grassroots agenda is emerging to articulate the right to communicate an agenda in which access to new media and communication technologies is seen as an essential part of public life and a democratic culture.

The 18plus forum provide a vision and a voice for this agenda within 18 Plus. Grounded in the core principles of a public service to educate, inform and entertain the 18plus forums add a fourth principle - to enable access and participation. With the right national policy framework, online forums like the 18plus discussion list can have an enormous contribution to make in promoting membership inclusion, in extending democracy and participation in decision making, in supporting the principle of education and training within 18 Plus and in promoting national renewal.