The importance of the Internet for information and debate

[andy2007]

There have been quite a few comments recently, criticising those of us who argued against the 2010 agreement for (among other things) hiding behind our keyboards, not being representative, etc.. So I thought it would be a good idea to explain why I believe that it is ever more important to use whatever communication methods we have at our disposal.

There are some, who're eloquent enough to use the Press, like Roy Mayall. But for the rest of us, the Internet is the best method available IMHO. It's true, that in both 2007 and this year. The majority of contributors to RMC were against the agreements, but the majority of CWU members (who voted) voted yes. But is that because we're out of touch. Or is it IMHO more to do with voter apathy?
Particularly this time, as we were being told that there was no plan B, so we might as well vote yes.
Isn't it more likley to be true, that the more active members of RMC, are also those who're the most passionate about the issues?

The fact is, that whether you use RMC, Twitter, Blogs, Facebook, or whatever. The Internet is an excellent medium for exchanging information rapidly, over large distances. It helps us keep up to date with what's happening elsewhere in our own Union, at grass roots level. Which is very important if we're ever going to change anything.

This is always particularly important, when important information is witheld from us at crucial times.

Anyway. This is what I believe. What about everyone else?

[clashcityrocker]

The internet is important for the exchange of information.
However there are certain basic rules you should follow:
Don't believe anything anyone says without double checking.
Don't believe anything anyone says about themselves.
Don't take chatrooms too seriously and you should be fine.

[coxie]

oh most definately, we had the agreement here before anyone else

[REDLETTER]

The internet is important for the exchange of information.
However there are certain basic rules you should follow:
Don't believe anything anyone says without double checking.
Don't believe anything anyone says about themselves.
Don't take chatrooms too seriously and you should be fine.

the first two could be applied to my DOM

Don't believe anything the DOM says without double checking.
Don't believe anything the DOM says about themselves.

But very true, but if certain information such as polling cards is believed and some offices get more that others, then I do take those issues very seriously

[Big Daz]

But very true, but if certain information such as polling cards is believed and some offices get more that others, then I do take those issues very seriously

Minium and maxium amounts for payment is the agreement, CWU chose not to equalise the payment amounts when setting up a new system with RML in 2005.

[SWIM]

and if anyone says 'deal of the century',expect to be disappointed.

[TrueBlueTerrier]

The internet is important for the exchange of information.
However there are certain basic rules you should follow:
Don't believe anything anyone says without double checking.
Don't believe anything anyone says about themselves.
Don't take chatrooms too seriously and you should be fine.

Also Andys post at start of the thread

[silverback]

I am a rep and I get 90% of the important info (ltb`s, official docs) etc from here. I do eventually get them from branch about 2 weeks later. Without this info I would be p*****ing in the wind when negotiating with management. Thank you.

[Stormproof]

Without access to the internet I would never know what was going on regarding union stuff. I would never of read that agreement or others and therefore my vote would of been swayed by what my branch recommended. Thats probably why 90% of the 40,000 put in a Yes vote, lack of information!
I have informed people at work about things only to be told to stop spreading rumours, but those rumours have turned out to be true and now I get asked for updates

[Lounge Lizard]

This forum can be an all the more vital source of information if you're at a small delivery office without WTL sessions where you're kept in the dark more than a pit pony. Keep up the good work - it really is appreciated by many of us on here.

[Roy Mayall]

I agree. I also think it's important that we keep each other informed of what's going on in our different offices. The agreement is here and we're going to have to live with it, so it's a case of making the best of a bad job, but the least we can do is to keep each other up to date. I may be lucky enough to get my voice heard in the press (for how long I wonder?) but RMC is an invaluable tool which I visit on an almost daily basis to find out what my fellow posties are thinking. If anyone writes a blog let me know.

[Big Daz]

I am a rep and I get 90% of the important info (ltb`s, official docs) etc from here. I do eventually get them from branch about 2 weeks later. Without this info I would be p*****ing in the wind when negotiating with management. Thank you.

I take it you are unable to get them sent direct from HQ to your email inbox?

Thats what I do.

[Pinky 1]

You're quite right Andy, the internet, and especially RMC, are a great source of information. Seeing that our workforce are spread from one end of the country to the other, a quick way of communicating with each other is vital. It is important that we know how our colleauges are fairing across the land, and to use our collective experience to help solve their problems, or to "nip it in the bud" before it happens in our own area. I also use this place on a regular basis, and am grateful to all contributors on here.........well most !
Which reminds me, another donation to RMC is due

[Lounge Lizard]

You're quite right Andy, the internet, and especially RMC, are a great source of information. Seeing that our workforce are spread from one end of the country to the other, a quick way of communicating with each other is vital. It is important that we know how our colleauges are fairing across the land, and to use our collective experience to help solve their problems, or to "nip it in the bud" before it happens in our own area. I also use this place on a regular basis, and am grateful to all contributors on here.........well most !
Which reminds me, another donation to RMC is due

Yes, and if we weren't so loyal to Royal Mail it might be a means of a wild cat strike going national in hours.

[Darren Bent]

I use this for information as I can't hear the local rumours but I can find out nationalwide rumours instead.

I also can read the mood of collective feedback. As for example last pay deal talk. I have voted no as there is so many negative things about it even I have not go through with fine comb. The highlight I receive is enough reason to say no.