Speaking unofficially...

[John Morris]

In a recent email exchange about the correct (ie approved) acronym to use for "British Orienteering", Caroline Povey, our Marketing Manager, said to me (speaking of my nopesport contributions) that:-

"people do not think of you as an individual but as a councillor. In fact, people ... are presuming you are stating information on behalf of British Orienteering".

I would like to make it clear to all of you that, as I said to Caroline:-

"when I contribute to nopesport, I do so as an individual orienteer, not as an aspect of the body corporate".

Indeed, I'd be suprised if anyone who browsed any of my 2005 postings would be in much doubt about that...


Speaking personally, and unofficially, I would like to see a far greater involvement in nopesport discussions by BOF officers, councillors and committee members and by N/ROA officers and committee members. If we're all going to take Trappist vows as soon as we're elected/appointed, then it's hardly surprising that a "them and us" culture develops.

And I'd expect all those contributions to be personal, and opinionated, except where someone says: "here's an official statement/proposal that I'd like you all to know about and/or discuss".


I chose my nopesport avatar with some care: an honest, open-minded fellow whose enthusiasm/concern/candour can occasionally lead him into very deep water indeed. Which, for a Councillor, is how it should be!


Oh, and by the way, the officially approved acronym is still "BOF", but we're asked to use "British Orienteering" as much as possible because it's both more dignified and more comprehensible. Caroline P can direct you to a complete set of Corporate Guidelines, should you need it. So now you know.

[lincolnsteve]

Speaking as a voice of the people (well myself anyway) I can safely say that I have never thought of you as a councillor when posting on nopesport, just an individual with some (very) strong oppinions. As you say, if you were to post as your offical title I would expect you to indicate that.

Now, if only some of the other high profile "BOF" members would grow some bo*****s and show their faces on here as we all know your lurking there in the background....come on....out with ya....

[mat-d]

Forums are a dangerous place for 'official looking' people.

It would be the place of a high ranking official to have at least used a fake name at least to keep my identity partially hidden so my views wouldn't be taken wrongly and possibly cause problems for my colleagues, which I respect.

[PeteL]

Forums are a dangerous place for 'official looking' people.

It would be the place of a high ranking official to have at least used a fake name at least to keep my identity partially hidden so my views wouldn't be taken wrongly and possibly cause problems for my colleagues, which I respect.

British orienteering (lower case 'o' refers to the sport not the Organising body) is a small world - it wouldn't take long for any frequent contributor to be rumbled... I would not expect paid officers of BO(F)* to express their own opinions on matters affecting corporate policy but those in a non-executive/voluntary position must surely be able to contribute to a public debate as individuals providing they make it clear in what capacity they do it. Keep it up, John, your views are worth hearing and eloquently put.

* Delete as you see fit

[PMG]

I, and and I know another Committee Chair follow most threads on Nopesport and from time to time make posts and also pick up some useful observations and ideas.

So perhaps the contribution by those holding office on behalf of the members and use of the Forum is greater than expressed.

Peter G
Fixtures Chair

[Gross]

Actually PMG has given some of the most factual info from BOF.... what is missing is comments from the like of Performance Director, Pefrmormance Manager and the like...... apart from the ocassional mis posting on BOF website... like stating the winner of UK Cup planning award is UK Elite Planner of the Year.

[RJ]

I wholeheartedly agree with John Morris that councillors and members of the various committees should contribute regularly to the various threads on nopesport. Those at BOf are mostly people who have been selected, or are self selected, to help run the sport and input "their" ideas (and of course ideas gleaned from elsewhere).

They are the very people who know what the subjects for discussion are. Much better that we get a chance to think about and comment on those subjects before they have been "?resolved?" and then presented to the wider membership.