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pleased or displeased with the list. In the past month I have received
several comments indicating that there is too much talk, not enough
action; an unusually large number of people have unsubscribed from the
list over the past month. For example, a program director from the state
of Washington recently wrote me:

"Just wanted to thank you for starting this listserv, and give you some 
feedback. I have unsubscribed. The list seems to be dominated by a few people 
who drown the rest in long messages without any connection to action (even 
though the postings were at times interesting and thought-provoking, if not 
always demonstrating a deep understanding of the topic). Advocacy without 
action is just talk, and a waste of my time. I was looking for a discussion 
list more connected to current policy agenda items, what they are, what they 
mean, what they should be, and how to affect change in policies."

I agree with this former subscriber.  I think an electronic list
where philosophical discussions can take place is needed, and I have
recently urged George Demetrion to look into starting one. There are now
free list services (with advertising banners, of course.) I, for one,
would join such a list.  But I am concerned that the focus of the NLA list
is being compromised by discussion which does not clearly focus on public
policy and action. 

David J. Rosen
NLA List Moderator