The Great Dialogue

...Good points!  Some of that can be managed by the administrative controls...with the Blog format the Moderator can edit and prevent invective, if needed...the Moderator would not do this unless a problem arose...since I am the only moderator [at this point] I can make those decisions at any time...but what you have written will help me in developing the POSTING GUIDELINES and Disclaimer's which I hope to have ready soon...

I think the only thing you can do is have a policy to which all participating must agree that, as a condition of joining in on the conversation, one must forgo taking the intellectual positions of others personally, remaining civil at all times and focused on gaining insight rather than competing for dominance. Beyond this, I think, we cannot control the pettiness to which humans are drawn. Colleen Yeany

...I am contemplating the problem of Dialogue...It seems to me that most people are unable to share their thoughts in writing [let alone in face to face conversation] without personalizing what the other person just said, or having to rebut - does no one listen and accept that another person can disagree? Worse, it seems that when we do get along, many of us accede but secretly disagree with others and never express this...I fear that Dialogue about our spiritual beliefs may be unfruitful, unless somehow the right climate can be established of honest, egalitarian exchange of ideas, and friendliness? How to make this happen? Dr Schmoyer

...My friends!    I have decided it is time...Time to resume the conversation that ended when the Great Dialogue Listerv Ended...This new BLOG format will allow for better communication and some administrative oversight not available before...Won't you join me once again? Wayne David Schmoyer