[HP4GU-FAQ] Re: ADMIN/MEMB: Prospective Members

[cindysphynx]

Hi!
 
Ali, let me be clear, because I have been responding to you even though
my remarks aren't directed at you personally.  
I have been operating on the assumption that you have no additional
Michelle-related information to provide.  I accept that, I understand
that, that is fine and I appreciate your candor and openness.  I also
have been operating on the assumption (based on a long history with you)
that you are an honorable and downright delightful person with the best
of intentions who is a tremendous asset to this group.
 
I somehow get the vague feeling that Amanda, at least, does have
information that would be quite pertinent to why Michelle wants to join
this group.  Indeed, I can't help feel that there is some serious
stonewalling going on that may well be unprecedented at HPfGU.  I have
been a part of countless personnel decisions (who should be an elf, who
should join FAQ, who should become a Mod, etc.).  This is the first time
I can recall when a group member flatly refused to answer a point-blank
question (I also put the question to Amanda off-list, BTW) about the
circumstances of a candidate's petition.  Those who find it irrelevant
may look away or skip, of course.  I think the fairest thing for
everyone is for us all to have the same base of information and decide
whether any problems are significant or not.  As it stands, that
decision is being made unilaterally by one member, and under the
peculiar circumstances here, that is troublesome to me.  
 
Frankly, I do believe that our actual experience with a candidate - what
*they* have said and done -- and how they handle themselves is of far
more importance than what they say they *will* do.  *Both* are useful
pieces of information, I think.  If we really feel no need to evaluate
candidates - all candidates - in this way because the only thing that
matters is what they say they will do, then I don't understand why we
don't just make this an open list.  I think we evaluate people for a
reason - to make sure we're all comfortable with the decision.  
 
That is why I ask.  Anyone else who doesn't care doesn't have to care.
I find the stonewalling to be bothersome and not at all helpful, but
absent veritaserum, I can't do anything more than ask in good faith what
this issue is all about and hope my colleague answers the question.
 
Really.  I want to be fair with Michelle.  I also want to be fair to
every member of this group.  I would ask the very same questions
regardless of the identity of the prospective candidates.  If the tables
were turned, I'd have answered the question back in August.  What's
going on now is surely unfair to whoever might be interested in knowing
why Michelle sought to join us- even if it is only one FAQ member --
when the better course of action is to discuss the thing and make a
decision.
 
Cindy


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