So, this issue has been brought up repeatedly, in pretty much every thread where there is any kind of disagreement/criticism/concern regarding site policy. Instead of bringing it up in announcement threads again, I figure making a thread about it would be the best way to go about it. This isn't the perfect place, but it's the only one that seems remotely applicable.
Obviously, I disagree with the policy of emailing criticism. It removes transparency. It also comes off as a way to sweep under the rug what people are saying (even though that may not be the point). Yes, the reason stated for email is to make it more personal, have records, and try and get people on the same page. That's great. However, it doesn't let other Tower members know that there were any issues. In other terms, it's divide and conquer - you get each person e-mailing on their own instead of having a group of members who are like "Hey, this concern makes sense and I think it needs to be addressed".
Private questions/criticisms/issues should be taken to e-mail. By "private", I mean specific circumstances that refer to only the member in question or to a small group of members. However, general criticism of site policy and announcements should be public.
Obviously, I disagree with the policy of emailing criticism. It removes transparency. It also comes off as a way to sweep under the rug what people are saying (even though that may not be the point). Yes, the reason stated for email is to make it more personal, have records, and try and get people on the same page. That's great. However, it doesn't let other Tower members know that there were any issues. In other terms, it's divide and conquer - you get each person e-mailing on their own instead of having a group of members who are like "Hey, this concern makes sense and I think it needs to be addressed".
Private questions/criticisms/issues should be taken to e-mail. By "private", I mean specific circumstances that refer to only the member in question or to a small group of members. However, general criticism of site policy and announcements should be public.