2005 Year in Review

Let's Talk....the community online forum

The forum had no moderator and no method of controlling it's content. Most newspapers will not print a submitted letter unless it is signed or signed with a legitimate request from the author to remain anonymous. Morrison Online is not a newspaper, however this new online community news and feature source is responsible for content that is meaningful, truthful, timely and informative. Our "Kid's Safe" approval at the bottom of the Homepage is important to us and it reinforces our commitment to bring you, the viewer, a community website worthy of you returning.

That doesn't mean we don't support controversial subject matter running on this website. Contrary to what a few may believe, we feel this website is allowing more ideas to flow than any other current means in Morrison and in a more timely manner.The problem the forum was having in it's structure was the first person to post a comment almost always was to the point, well written, had an argument, suggested a cure and asked for support or comments. The 2nd, 3rd and more "posters" prgressively got off point and like the old circle telephone game, the original argument became distorted and in some cases potentially slanderous. Personalized attack comments will not be allowed.

Morrison is not unique with it's problems and the forum allows for multiple viewpoints to flow freely. It is interesting to note some comments coming from out of state on local issues which underscores the value of the forum on solving issues. The more diversified the comments, the more value is added to the discussion.

Since the forum was disabled we now see the Guestbook receiving comments formerly seen on the "Let's Talk" forum. The Guestbook is designed as simply a sign in area where viewers can express satisfaction, dissatisfaction or short comments and move on with little or no intention of coming back soon. The Forum was designed for current topics of interest with invited comments from anyone. I remind you, the comment posters this is simply not rocket science regarding the rules. If you say a person owns a business without naming them and you name the business then you have named the person. We post Morrison Police Reports once a week as received from the Morrison Police Department. Have you noticed the statement " ...innocent until proven guilty in a court of law"? Online statements posted by anonymous posters escape any sense of responsibilty and Morrison Online will not allow anonymous comments in the future forum.

Having said that I am also reminded of a recent national story of the Watergate Deep Throat individual who stepped forward and identified himself. If he had decided not to have been the informant during the Nixon presidency who knows what worse events may have occurred. The two reporters Woodward and Bernstein maintained his anonymity for all these years. Maybe an over the top example on my part however I wish to tell all of our viewers that we value your desire in some cases to remain anonymous.

The forum makes Morrison a stronger community if we stay on point and determine if ideas from diversified comments can actually be implemented.If you just want to vent and bitch with no rules go start a blog, there are lots of those out there.

by Bob Vaughn, theCity1.com
June 11, 2005