[Katy]

Not to be rude but I prefer to be called Katy over Kathy. Thanks.

Originally Posted by JaneYoung

I'm not quite understanding this post/thread.

To begin with, I don't understand how this post is anonymously coauthored. Katy has posted this/started this thread and Katy is the one who will receive the responses.
Jane

The post is coauthored because I am not the sole author of it. The idea was discussed, I did a lot of writing, and then there was editing and more ideas added. I feel somewhat bad being unable to speak further on the issue but I would feel unprofessional to violate the trust of my coauthor(s) by saying more.

Originally Posted by JaneYoung

The second thought that comes to mind is that this is obviously a post that has some concerns but I don't understand what the concerns are. There are generalities but no specifics that I can grasp and that may be why I'm somewhat confused.

Jane

It pains me substantially to not post links to examples of the sorts of behavior I am attempting to discuss. However, I feel that to point out specific individuals in a debate of this variety would be implying that they are un-GP. Personally I believe GP is a standard to live by, not to judge others by. Additionally as a professional I would feel unethical pointing at people and implying that they are not GP in topic that is meant in part to discuss the negative impact of people labeling others un-GP.

Originally Posted by JaneYoung

So is this a discussion of the members of CD being critical of people who post in CD?

Or is this a discussion of how FIRST operates?

Or is this a discussion regarding being critical in general?

This discussion was mainly intended to be the first and the third. I want to talk about the fact that it is appropriate and often for the good of FIRST to provide meaningful constructive criticism. I want to discuss the fact that this criticism should be regarded by other individuals as an opportunity for thought and not immediately attacked. This is true on and off CD.

I feel that people are confusing "being gracious" with "not disagreeing." You can disagree graciously and if you believe that disagreeing is correct and have facts to back disagreeing is in fact quite professional.

Here it is in a nutshell. There are people asking the tough questions in FIRST. There are more people who would probably like to ask their own questions. However, after seeing those who are currently asking the hard questions dismissed or vilified the latter group of people are shying away from speaking their mind. I feel this is a dangerous and unhealthy environment for FIRST to be in. I would like to see people be more accepting so that other people can feel a little safer. I would also like to inspire those who feel there is something that needs to be said and have the facts to back it up. Hopefully, despite their fear, they will say it anyway.

Does this clarify?