Monday, April 22, 2013

Informing the people of Templeton

This blog was started a few years ago mainly because the Gardner News would only print some information or only one side of the story. I couldn't get information from certain departments in town, I couldn't get answers. I always allowed people to comment anonymously because so many people were afraid to speak up. I never deleted any comments because I believed everyone was entitled to their opinions. With the elections fast approaching some good information was being put on the blog, one big issue is the school override. This issue affects us all. People have given their opinions both for and against. This was good dialog and let’s face it- we are not all going to agree all of the time. Then came some nasty stuff on the blog targeting a lot of different people. Bullying, harassment, etc, Time to step back and say – if you want to add your opinions/comments on the blog, I welcome it. If you disagree with something on the blog tell me about it. If you have some local news or a kudos to a local team, know of something happening in town or just some advice on a where to get a good meal put it out there, but sign in first. No more “anonymous”.  Let’s move forward and keep communication open. Keep the information coming and keep Templeton Government open and transparent.  Vote and support the local businesses.
Thanks - Pauly

12 comments:

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    1. I am sorry it has come to this, but I understand why. It seems that there are always a few that can't play nice. It is ok to agree to disagree, but when things get nasty, it is time to say ENOUGH!! Most of the bloggers are working toward improving the town. There has been a lot of good information printed on this blog. Information that we could not get any other way. You and I can still blog, just sign your name. If it is true, or your opinion, then have the back bone to use your name. I always sign mine, and I always will. If it is true, then sign it. If it is not true, don't repeate it. Bev.

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  2. Pauly has done a great job allowing for the distribution of material the main stream media just won't touch. I certainly respect his decision to do away with the anonymous posting. Keep up the great work Pauly!! Don't forget Templeton Times where you can get a lot more of what the main stream media won't touch. Right now there is an excellent article on The Story of the Taino Indians of Cuba.

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  3. i couldn't agree more. I for one have had been called many names on this blog, it is okay to agree or disagree with comments posted, but the name calling certainly has gotten out of hand. I read this blog every day because i get more information from here and it is always supported by facts and documents. i use my initial, but never anonymous.

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  4. A few months ago I posted that I felt all the anon name-calling was quite unhelpful to constructive dialog. I was promptly criticized for that post. Just-sayin.

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  5. good job Pauly, we can all agree to disagree but when the name calling, harrassment and lying starts that's another story. Thanks to all that put good information out her on the blog.

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  6. now I must come up with a name other than anonymous to post on the blog, oh wait, I always post with my name.

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  7. I understand this decision. This blog is too important to allow certain elements to try to bring it down to their level. By that I mean the people intent on destroying and dividing the town.

    There is nothing wrong with asking questions. There is nothing wrong with trying to create good governance in the Town of Templeton. There is nothing wrong with bringing forth different ideas and points of view for consideration. There is nothing wrong with gathering facts and generating discussion. There IS something wrong when elected boards and commissions go to any length to hide information from people.

    Thank you again Pauly for creating a forum for concerned citizens to gather and disseminate information about the Town of Templeton.

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  8. Pauly,
    This is from a guy who from day one has always signed his posts with his name, and I always will.

    Thank you for getting rid of the anonymous posts. Bev is right. If you don't have the guts to use your name, you shouldn't be posting something. I am not afraid of what people think of me and my opinions and I don't think anynone else should be either. Right or wrong, everyone has an opinion.

    Thanks for keeping the blog for people to share ideas and ask questions. It is a great asset to the town and the grassroots effort to keep the town going.

    Good luck at Candidates night tonight.


    Phil

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  9. Good decision Pauly. I have to say also, THAT IT IS ABOUT TIME !!!!!. When ever I posted a comment on this blog in the past, I posted with my name. I always heard from people who are on on both sides of the political field and they would sometimes say either they agree or disagree with my comments but if they said anything they would say they respect me for possting with my name.
    After two years and almost a half million views it is defenately time to eliminate posting as anonymous.
    Thanks Pauly, you have my vote.

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  10. Upon further reflection, I'm not sure it was the correct decision to ban Anon postings. I agree that the name calling and slander (I've said so before) has gotten out of hand. But there are many readers who for one reason or another would prefer to remain Anon, but might have an excellent contribution. Maybe its a business owner who does not want retaliation against their business. Maybe someone in the light department wants to bring something to the public's attention but is afraid of retaliation or ridicule. We've all seen the responses from one member of the light commission. I could give a few more reasons but I think my point has been made. --Just Sayin'--

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  11. There are ways to post anonymously still, look above, I do not think there really is a person called zebra. It may take a little computer savvy, but not too much. I believe that having some kind of name attached to a comment is a good thing. Remember how it was before the Anons showed up on the blog. Sure there were crazy names, like twistedsista or infoman to name a couple, but there was not the confusion about who said what that goes along with all Anons. People posted as an Anon, because it was easier not going through a login process. Maybe with just that one more step to share your thoughts will help people reflect upon what they say, maybe not. Time will tell.

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