Sept. 14, 2006
11:10 a.m.
Bruce, this is a key issue. The price of transparency is responsibility. - No TF/Council member or observer should ever speak for the group unless they are the chair. - The function of group membership or observer-status is to be able to report back on developments to a constituency or organisation. - It is inappropriate for any group member or observer to speak to the press about ideas "under discussion". Any such press contact should only occur after the group has finalised a formal step and then the individual must make it clear that they are commenting on formal written output in their personal (or when authorised group) capacity. Anything less will lead to scare stories and sensationalism. Philip