[IMC-UK-Features] Go Indymedia, go! - Response to the SHIfT article

[Mike D]

Hi there,

Yes, I think praise is due for the well researched article written
collectively by 4 members of Indymedia UK, and I agree with the vast
majority of it's content. I don't think it should be posted as a
feature though as it will play into the hands of people who wish to
cause controversy and/or divisions for whatever reason.

However, the issue should not be ignored, the proposal to request
that a response from members of Indymedia is published prominently
in SHIfT magazine is reasonable, this is common in zines and is in
the spirit of openness and accountability. If SHIfT agree then it
will address the concerns that 10-15 activists reading SHIfT will
believe the article and be turned off Indymedia. I presume that many
of these activists who would be turned off will visit Indymedia
looking for a response anyway, which is why I think a promoted post
to the newswire soonish is important and will be sufficient. If
SHIfT refuse to publish the response (or don't respond) then we can
post another promoted newswire story later on highlighting their
lack of committment to right of reply.

If this is to go on the newswire, I propose that IMCers discuss any
amendments they would prefer, so it could more legitimately be
referred to as generally representative of the collective. Is anyone
in disagreement with what the response says? Or indeed is anyone in
support of anything stated in the SHIfT article?


Mike D