[governance] New membership database: choose your own username

[Jeremy Malcolm]

On 05/01/2011, at 4:17 AM, Don Cameron wrote:

> Until this furore erupted I was a lurker on this list, and would probably have remained as such had these dramatic changes not been proposed (implemented without consensus?) – however being a lurker does not mean I fail to identify with and associate with civil society, nor do I withdraw my right to vote (as a member voter) should I so choose – a right is not an obligation. I lurk because I choose to lurk. I will vote if I choose to vote.
>  
> Why is a lurker deemed different from a voter?

For what it's worth, I still maintain that there was no dramatic change - I essentially just moved the subscription page from the CPSR Web page onto our own Web site.  I just didn't explain this well.

Also I overlooked that many Internet old timers would prefer to maintain the ability to subscribe by email (unsubscribing by email had not been affected).  That change has since been reversed.

Also, carelessly using the word "lurker" that some people found offensive.  But the whole debate over lurkers and members is a non-issue.  I changed nothing in that regard; neither could or would I do so.

> Perhaps what is really intended is to identify and define people who do not identify as civil society members? (some of whom may lurk; some of whom may not)
>  
> I think care needs to be taken that rights are not removed from people through these actions.

This concern, though valid, is unfounded.  The purpose of the changes was simply:

1. To simplify and automate the process of creating the list of eligible voters each year.
2. To simplify and automate the process of creating the list of members who did vote.
3. To open up new avenues of participation on the Web without the need to register twice.

I hope this helps to allay some peoples' concerns. 

-- 
Jeremy Malcolm
Project Coordinator
Consumers International
Kuala Lumpur Office for Asia Pacific and the Middle East
Lot 5-1 Wisma WIM, 7 Jalan Abang Haji Openg, TTDI, 60000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tel: +60 3 7726 1599

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