[nabs-l] The privilege of posting and the responsibility to those who read.

[Darian Smith]

All:
 I have to say that I love the energy, thoughts ideas, and points of view that are shared on this list.
I think that it is a privilege to have the opportunity to post not only on the NABS list but the various lists I am subscribed to   on nfbnet.org, and I hope that you believe this to be the case as  well.

 I know that I’m not going to post things that people are always going to agree with, nor am I going to read things that I am going to like or agree with. 
 I do know  I have a responsibility to be respectful  of the points of view that are being shared, and of the people who post /read on this list. 
  I have to try to remember that on this list are Parents of blind children,  blind youth, people experiencing blindness for the first time in their lives, and a number of people who get an impression of me via this list, of nabs and of the National Federation of the Blind (of which I represent to others by  virtue of posting on this list)   If I am judgmental and harsh to someone, this might not make them feel welcome if I mention something of an adult nature, that parent might not want their child knowing much more of NABS, or any other part of the Federation. 
 I know that I am not  perfect, and I apologize if I have ever  offended anyone by my words who is on this list or who has been, as this  was never my  intention, assuming I had done so to began with).
 My point is that we have the  privilege of posting, the power to do good via mentoring and empowering on this list.  We also have the responsibility of being   professional enough  that we can be a resource to students today, tomorrow and for years to come. 
 I want you to help me be that resource and I will do my best to help you be the same.
  With love,
  Darian