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by Royce Howland on Mon Feb 11, 2008 2:21 pm
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Royce Howland
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Posts: 11719
Joined: 12 Jan 2005
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Member #:00460
Hello everyone! This forum is for topics covering issues around the environment, conservation and ethics. The primary intent, as noted in the forum description and Greg's guidelines announcement, is that topics posted here be relevant to nature photography.

In the past we have allowed somewhat controversial threads to be posted here, and we will continue to do so at our discretion. We realize that in topics of this nature, people may have strong beliefs and bring a lot of passion to discussing and debating some issues. This is fine and expected. But our forums first are foremost are intended to be a civil, courteous and respectful environment. Personal character attacks of any kind do not have a place here.

What does that mean? It means keep your passion directed at the issues, not at the people. Ethical standards are not always agreed upon by everyone, no matter how strongly any individual may believe that their own position is true and right. Put forward those beliefs and debate them in the context of issues and events, but don't use them to start making judgments of specific people or we may remove or otherwise moderate the discussion thread in question.

Even when a person's actions may be clearly on the wrong side of an ethical line, think before posting about it. Ask the question -- is NSN part of the problem or part of the solution? If neither, then what is the purpose in identifying specific people and their actions here? For posting here, keep the discussion focused on the issues rather than making judgments about the people, and keep it relevant to nature photography.

When you focus on the issue, then you can look for ways that NSN could be part of the solution:
  • What information do you want NSN'ers to know about a situation?
  • What actions would you ask NSN'ers to take, or not take?
  • What resources can you point out that make it possible for interested NSN'ers to raise their awareness and make informed decisions?
  • What opportunities are there for NSN'ers to become advocates with authorities or elected officials?
If you can address any of these kinds of things, then it's one way to help channel controversy into positive changes.
Royce Howland
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