--- GMSpencer@... wrote:

 
> Another possibility is that those of us who find a
> specific interest pair off 
> and have a discussion off line and then present some
> summary our conclusions 
> to the list. One thing I've noticed with most list
> is that people, myself 
> included, will shoot from the hip. What would be
> more interesting to me would be 
> to have a disputation over a specific text with
> those who are interested and 
> then present the results to the list. That way we
> have to stay with a specific 
> text toward which we much be fair, intelligent,
> responsible, while exercising 
> charity toward one another. Just a thought.
> gms+
> 
> --
------------------------------------------------

Fr. Spencer+

That "pairing off" could be accompished via the
associate.com service.

The associate.com service offers options we are not
using:

1.  a chat room where the "chat" would be entered and
the discussions viewed by those who choose to visit
the web site, but not published to the list.  That
might fit what you suggest.  Then after "chatting" a
report could be brought back to the list.  I believe
photos and perhaps real time pictures can be broadcast
in the chat room as well as real time discussions. 
Wouldn't that be scary!?

2. What I was suggesting in my modest proposal is that
those who want a well reasoned and definitive
statement from either side on a specific subject could
ask questions on the list, and lengthy responses could
be posted as articles on the website.  This would cut
down on the "shooting from the hip" and lead to well
reasoned responses.  I think a moderator from each
side should review what is posted at the associate.com
website to assure the posting is a fair representation
of his communion's views.
  A by-product of such an effort would be that we
would have produced something that might eventually
benefit others who want information.  

Charles+
Church of the Good Shepherd, Indianapolis