OUR VENTILATING ARENA

Murray Gellen

    A message is usually defined as a short communication sent from one person to another of a central idea.  Often, in a residential community, messages are transmitted and displayed on an electronic message board that are displayed for any resident who has access to it.  Given this vehicle, one who receives a message is free to respond to the sender.  Interesting to note, it means that any resident who has use of the message board may respond to the sender or introduce additional information to the original sender or other residents who are free to view such a message.  The nature of the message board provides an open arena for just about any topic that comes to one’s mind.  However, in our community, there are guidelines that attempt to protect and monitor messages transmitted to assure freedom of expression and, at the same time, protect viewers form derogatory commentary. The message board is the place to welcome opinions and a variety of viewpoints,

    One may note that the message board receives messages for information as to where one might contact a plumber, a doctor or where to purchase a particular window or refrigerator company. But, then there are opinions regarding the community Board’s considered recommendations or decisions.  It is still the right of residents to offer opinions regarding issues facing the community. It appears that many of these matters of the Board would be better served if members of the message board addressed their concerns directly to Board members than to each other. Yes, it is a free ventilating arena to express one’s opinion regarding a Board’s actions or decisions. However, it appears that more often it agitates message board senders toward each other over issues. Matters of community governance need to be directed to the Board than to each other.

                                          " Yes, it is an open arena."