Just thinking on a slight tangent to the original post.
As we become more able to share our opinions through such media as the internet, does this make institutions more guarded and secretive, and more likely to defend themselves through threats of legal action?
Libel laws are there as a last resort, yes, but are we all too scared to share our opinions, despite best intention?
One thing that is now acknowledged is that all levels of our society suffer forms of corruption and that most people look after no.1.
Individuals and organisations lie;
Be it Government departments, executive officers, or simply an individual who forgets an important deadline at work, they sometimes become economical with the truth, to make someone else seem at fault or incompetent. That's the real world, cynical or not.
Thus, we are more suspicious of peoples' intentions or motives and more likely to react negatively.
If, for example, you or your band is/are a member of an organisation which fails to deliver on it's constitutional commitments to it's membership, continues to charge subscriptions, yet gives the appearance of laying dormant throughout the year, should we not have the right to criticise openly, without fear of retribution? After all, we would merely be stating the facts, not making comment for personal gain.
Sadly, organisations in that situation, prefer to focus their energy on defending their inaction and slurring the critic, rather than taking action to improve their quality of service to the membership. (Yes, I do know this from experience).
So, should we fall into line and accept these experiences 'as banding', or remain a thorn in the side of those who fail in office?
I know where I stand.
