Please Read: Appropriate Posts

FSB Listserv Subscribers:

I have recently been contacted by several subscribers who have raised concerns regarding the "political nature" and "tone" of some posts to the listserv. With nearly 5000 subscribers I understand that not everyone will be pleased with discussions that occur on this list. However, after checking in with several colleagues regarding these two concerns it is clear that they are shared by others as well. Dealing first with political comments, please keep in mind that subscribers to this listserv run the gamut of political persuasions and that comments that denigrate a particular politician or party are certain to offend others on the listserv. Please confine political commentary to whether a proposed or enacted policy supports sustainability and refrain from "bashing" the associated politician or political party. Further, keep in mind that this is an international listserv -- extensive commentary on the politics of a particular country may well not be of interest to thousands of subscribers to the list. Regarding tone, when I first established the listserv it was envisioned as a way to share information and assist others in delivering more effective programs to foster sustainable behavior. To that end, it is important that the listserv is a place that members feel comfortable posting to, and from which they are likely to obtain helpful feedback. I would encourage all posters to be respectful of the importance of providing constructive feedback to those seeking advice. I have provided additional information on appropriate and inappropriate posts below (this information is from the email that is sent to all members when they first subscribe to the listserv). Thank you for taking the time to read this post and good luck with your programs.

Best,
Doug

Doug McKenzie-Mohr, Ph.D.
Environmental Psychologist 

* Appropriate Posts:
*This listserv is devoted to designing effective programs to foster sustainable behaviors, such as those associated with waste reduction, energy and water efficiency, watershed protection, modal transportation shifts, etc. To that end, any discussion pertaining to fostering behavioral changes that support sustainability is appropriate, whether it regards individuals, businesses, farmers, etc. Posts related to the use of community-based social marketing in promoting sustainable behaviors are particularly encouraged (you can learn more about community-based social marketing at the Fostering Sustainable Behavior website - www.cbsm.com). Discussions of environmental policies are also appropriate, granted that the focus is on how policy changes would affect behavior (e.g., a discussion of how carbon taxes would influence modal transportation shifts).
*You may also use the listserv to post employment opportunities. Post announcements of conferences, seminars or workshops only if they directly relate to fostering sustainable behavior via the use of social marketing. Please check with me if you are uncertain if your conference, seminar or workshop meet this criteria.

Inappropriate Posts:
*While discussions of environmental policies as they relate to supporting behavioral changes are appropriate, general discussion of environmental issues is not. The Internet provides many other venues for more general discussions -- let's keep this listserv focused solely on the effective promotion of behaviors that support sustainability.
*If you run a business or consultancy do not promote your services or products via this listserv - individuals who do so will be immediately removed.
*Do not send announcements of conferences, workshops or seminars that do not directly relate to fostering sustainable behavior.
*Subscribers who treat other members disrespectfully will be removed from the listserv.
*Finally, do not send attachments to the list as they pose a security risk and increase the size of the digest considerably. Instead, provide a link to where the report can be found on the internet.