Dear Tweets,

There has been a 24-hour cooling-off period since posting of the new
guidelines, and responses have tapered off. Thanks to all of the folks
who weighed in. Although the basic guidelines remain unchanged, some
clarifications appear to be in order. Here are a few examples.
Informational postings on conservation issues are acceptable. Ecology,
and discussion of critters other than birds, are acceptable topics, indeed
encouraged. Looking at dragonflies, or plants, or herps, while in the
field is an enhancement of birding. Anything having to do with the
science of ornithology is definitely encouraged. The clarified guidelines
will be posted to the list and the Tweeters web site soon, and sent
automatically to all new subscribers.

Tweeters is adopting some operating procedures from Birdchat about
appropriateness of postings. The following are are now part of the
Tweeters guidelines:

- If a subscriber is in doubt about the appropriateness of a proposed
posting, please contact the listowner. If a subscriber is in doubt about
the appropriateness of a posting which has already appeared on the list,
PLEASE do not post a public comment or question about it, but PLEASE do
send a message to the listowner. In most cases the listowner will have
already privately contacted the sender of a questionable message, and in
ALL cases it is neither necessary nor desirable to start an on-list
discussion about such administrative matters. Remember, Tweeters is a
forum for discussion of birds, birding, and related topics -- not of
guidelines.

- The listowner will not publicly chastise or humiliate an offending
subscriber. A private message may be sent, reminding the member of
Tweeters guidelines. If the violator continues to abuse the guidelines,
the listowner may set the subscriber to NOPOST. Serious or repeat
offenders may be expelled at the listowner's discretion.

Good birding to all,

Dan Victor, Seattle, WA mailto:dcv at scn.org
Tweeters = http://www.scn.org/earth/tweeters/