>> Shall we construct a second list of those who said "When there's a real letter, I'll read it and consider whether I'm willing to put my name to it."
>
>No, why don't you start by constructing a letter? This is what should have been done in the first place. Let the list be the list of signatures, not the list of who will consider or will consider considering. Those lists, IMO are completely meaningless.
>
>BTW, implying that those who haven't signed some list 'do not support the community' is incorrect, non-productive, and downright insulting.
>
>FWIW, I know that you and all others participating mean well, I just think the efforts are misplaced.

Erik,

I think the letter should be a collective effort, with input from as many people in the VFP community as there are who care to participate. No individual can do this, but we can each take a stab at saying some of the things that need to be said. For people to put in this kind of effort, they need to believe they're not wasting their time. As the list gets bigger, more people become willing to invest the effort, and more people are available to contribute their ideas. Putting their name on the list is just about the smallest conceivable supportive action people can take, and I'm grateful to those who signed even if they can't play a more active role.

Failure to sign is surely in some measure a failure to show support for the effort to create an open letter. If the VFP community is overwhelmingly in favor of such a letter, then one could infer that the refusal to sign is to some extent a failure to support the community. I think that's what you are saying, and it's tough to argue with that, but it's not what I said. Still, I recognize that some people may have compelling personal reasons for withholding their support, and I agree that it is inappropriate and counter-productive to press people on this issue if they are not comfortable discussing it.

I'm sorry if anyone takes offense, and certainly don't mean to be insulting.

Mike