Happy 15th to TSW! A Likely-to -be Challenging Year Ahead and Contributions Requested

I noticed sometime in the last few weeks that TSW and its predecessor, New Century of Forest Planning, have now been around for 15 years.  What I’ve noticed through time is that the currents of media have swirled around in different ways, but we remain fairly unique.  I spend some time on Substack and TwitX, and there are algorithms that determine what you see, even (apparently) if you click on the tab that says “following”; as in the people you want to follow.  Here, what you see is what you get. Certainly you don’t have to read posts by people you generally disagree with, but many of us do. And comment.

If I were to characterize my point of view it would be seeking the truth (even though we disagree about what it is and its implications), with an attitude of curiosity and skepticism.  That was the culture I absorbed as a 70’s and 80’s science student. Critiquing someone’s study plan was considered a sign of respect and a way to make it better.   Our profs worked with us as the ultimate source of what should be done, mediating disputes, and having the final say.

Here at TSW, we are exploring ideas and observations in a safe space with people (mostly) committed to taking the time to understand each other’s views and what those views are based on.   Various entities have been promoted as authorities during the last 15 years, some including reporters and scientists (but not others).   Time has shown that often not only have feet of straw, but some sought to destroy the reputations of those who questioned or disagreed.

Other, more philosophical folks, have said that giving everyone a voice, via platforms like TwitX, is the once every 500 years equivalent of the printing press, making more information available to ordinary people without a filter.  Now I know that European religious history is not being taught much these days, so let’s just say that there were powerful institutions that resisted simple things we take for granted today, like having the Bible in English.   And yet, humans ultimately survived the hundreds of years transition of the old order being overturned, even though there was horrendous violence along the way.  Institutions, bless their hearts, do much good in the world.   At the same time (both things are true), government agencies, universities, media and other corporations, foundations, NGO’s, religious institutions, political parties, seek to maintain and grow their perceived or real power and financial status; often at the expense of hiding negative things and even, sometimes, of shading or hiding the truth.   Survival is #1, for both humans and their institutions.  Right now, media has a business model problem, and many outlets are paid by people who want to see some things highlighted and other things not addressed.  We can see the problems with this when a story about something we understand gets a superficial or biased treatment from a reporter who has to move on to sports or to the Mideast tomorrow.  The outlets mostly can’t afford anyone to take the time to dig in.  It’s the closest distance to the nearest narrative.. but that system is breaking down. Then there’s the business model of promoting clicks via instigating outrage. It’s (past) time for another approach, and perhaps folks with expertise, like us and The Hotshot Wakeup are pioneering a different approach, with more expertise and  less filtering. The energy space is full of folks like this. Then there are newer growing outlets like the Cowboy State Daily and The Free Press.

In a way, what we do is “joint fact-finding” a conflict resolution tool; in a way it is building a community of curious, open-minded, skeptics.  Sometimes people call each other names, it’s true, but not that often.  It is interesting to me that there is no funding for this kind of work.  Yes, in our case, maybe information doesn’t have to go through reporters and their institutions to get to the public.  My original intention was something like Extension for landowners only for forest policy. Even then, the institution (USDA public affairs) saw it as freelancing public affairs. Here, we seek to open up informational boxes and paw through them together, rather than delivering boxes all wrapped up with our favorite wrap.  That’s why the diversity of thought here is so important.

And so we seek, here, together, from our various sources, to figure out what’s really going on.  At that point, we often disagree about whether it’s a good thing or a bad thing, or would best be done differently.  We don’t just lob hateful comments at each other, but tell about why we think something based on experience, data or whatever. It’s all open.  Again, those philosophically inclined think that open dialogue is the best way to develop policy, I can’t find the related quotes right now but maybe Anonymous the Philosopher can point to them (de Tocqueville?).People from all sides agree that we need better discourse, in fact it’s becoming popular say that (and build new institutions to promote it).

Then there’s the leadership/management community.

When should you invite dialogue? There are three situations where it can help:

1. When you want to understand different perspectives: Inviting dialogue is a great way to gather different perspectives and gain a deeper understanding of a situation or issue. By actively seeking input from others, you can gain a more well-rounded view of the situation and make more informed decisions. Don’t be afraid to reach out or think that you don’t have time to consult.
2. When you want to build relationships: Inviting dialogue can help you build stronger relationships with your team, peers, and other colleagues. When you actively seek input from others, you are demonstrating that you value their opinions and perspectives. This can help to build trust and credibility. It’s also helpful for others to understand more about how you think, so reach out, share, and build bridges by connecting diverse ideas where you can.
3. When you want to resolve conflict: Dialogue can be a powerful tool for resolving conflicts and finding mutually beneficial solutions. By inviting dialogue, you can open up lines of communication and encourage collaboration to find a resolution that works for everyone. If you develop a track record for adding value by doing this, you’ll be in demand!

In a way, what we do is like  “joint fact-finding” which can be part of a conflict resolution approach, yet in another way it is building a community of curious, open-minded, skeptics.  Sometimes people call each other names, it’s true.  It is interesting to me that there is no funding for this kind of work, and in fact TSW doesn’t even pay for itself, as you can see,  donations provided over half of needed this year.  At the same time, I deeply appreciate all the non-cash contributions of knowledge, answers to questions, and guest posts.  Especially in those fields I don’t understand, like budget (Andy) and legal stuff (Rich J. and SJ).

I think that the next year will bring us challenges and opportunities.   One thing I hope to do is develop a standard set of  “ways Admins (should) behave.”  If we’re not careful, we’ll get a one-sided view of various things the next Admin will do, possibly as if that’s the first time anyone ever did it, when it’s actually common practice.  Recently, it was “contracting out is bad, but giving money to NGOs to contract out is good.”  Some of this requires a certain distance and historical knowledge, which we older folks can bring to the table.  We certainly need the voices of people currently working as well, as viewing from the outside is always different.  And young people bring a fresh set of eyes, so there’s that. And not just younger workers but students, for whom TSW was originally intended.

As St. Benedict of Nursia said in his Rule (around 530 CE):

And we have thus said that all are to be called to council because it is often to a junior that the Lord reveals what is best.

We older folks have valuable wisdom and experience, and should also be open to the fact that things are different now and what didn’t work in the past is only one source of information.

I think what we’re seeing more broadly is a partial breakdown of the “Our Political Party Does Everything Right” story, and through the cracks, with the help of platforms like TwitX and Substack,  some light is pouring in, illuminating the real choices and trade-offs we need to make as a nation. I hope that TSW, and we all together, will contribute to that light.

I also think that there will be stronger attempts by some to retain control and more hype and hate and anger generation, and prediction of bad things that might happen, which coincidentally is good for fund-raising.  So it’s more important than ever for us to be here.

Two final thoughts about our anniversary: (1) I’d still appreciate financial contributions (remember, we are not a 501c3 so not tax-deductible, though we are not averse to an organization that would provide fiscal sponsorship)  and (2) I’m going to start rerunning what I consider to be classics from the last 15 years, if you have a favorite, let me know.

Thanks and Happy New Year to all!