norwich anarchists strange linking policy?

darren poynton "towards a better understanding of the world, in order to change it"
Posts: 141 Joined: 05-07-06 Location: Norwich, UK
Submitted by darren poynton on 5 July, 2007 - 19:40.

The links section on the norwich anarchists website includes links to county council and government websites, what do people think to this? Ok, so there is some kind of "disclaimer" say that the sites are there because they include useful information.

Surely anyone who knows how to use the net would easily be able to access this information? I think having a direct link to such sites is a little contradictory. Just thought I'd open it up to debate - only really interested as it's a local group...

Coconut man "Will probably be a liberal MP in 5 years"
Posts: 167 Joined: 13-02-04 Location: Norwich
5 July, 2007 - 20:56

Well, I was the one who added the links and I don't really see a problem with them. I remember adding them after reading something on the UK Government website that I found useful (although I can't remember what it was now). My intention was merely to direct people to a website where they could find helpful information about benefits, rights at work etc. I didn't put them there to endorse government as an institution. While there are anarchist/communist websites that contain some of this information (libcom has a pretty good section, for instance), I have yet to come across one that has anywhere near the wealth of infomation found on the government site.

When Norwich Anarchists did the End Fuel Poverty Campaign over the winter, we printed thousands of leaflets informing pensioners about the government benefits they were entitled to claim. I don't really see how this is different in any meaningful way.

Also, from a purely pratical point of view, I can't see it doing any harm. The state isn't going to collapse just because we stop linking to it's official website wink

To people in the group: I'm not sure how many of you regularly check this forum nowdays, but if a significant number of you aren't happy with it, then I'll take the links down.

rich "Reasonable Face of Anarchism"
Posts: 285 Joined: 14-10-03
8 July, 2007 - 06:15

You have very ably said exactly what I think on the matter YS!

darren poynton "towards a better understanding of the world, in order to change it"
Posts: 141 Joined: 05-07-06 Location: Norwich, UK
9 July, 2007 - 20:17

I wasn't suggesting NOT linking as a strategic method!

It comes down to the question what the main function / purpose of the website is..

Printing leaflets informing people of there rights within the system is a commendable thing to do, as is anything which improves the lives of individuals.

But, is this the best thing a (pre) revolutionary group could be doing?

What makes someone qualify as a member of the group BTW, what are the minimum requirements? And how are group descissions taken?

I ask because I have some projects in mind and there isn't an organisation called "Norwich Anti-Statist Communists"! beardiest

rich "Reasonable Face of Anarchism"
Posts: 285 Joined: 14-10-03
9 July, 2007 - 20:54

Well there is a group structure we came up with, we have a list of people that should be consulted on any issues that involve the group's resources or name being used in any big way. We have a procedure, but it is buried in minutes as most of the things we do are done as collections of individuals and not as "Norwich Anarchists" (though TBH we're not doing a great deal at the moment of anything).

I can dig out the exact requirements, but it is a) universal approval of current membership b) attendance of I think 3 meetings The other thing to bear in mind is that this is very very rarely used, and would only be defaulted to if there was some serious grievance. i.e. anarchoprimitivists wanting us to spend our resources on explosives to blow up "technology". The chances of that are slim, but it prevents the group from being easy to hijack.

The best thing a prerevolutionary group could be doing is a question a bit like the meaning of life!

darren poynton "towards a better understanding of the world, in order to change it"
Posts: 141 Joined: 05-07-06 Location: Norwich, UK
10 July, 2007 - 14:21
Quote:
The best thing a prerevolutionary group could be doing is a question a bit like the meaning of life!

Here's my 2 pence worth.
1. Participate in the class struggle as it affects our lives.
2. Study the theories and history of past revolutionary movements.
3. Propergate and develop theory.
4. Keep an open mind

I guess the fuel poverty campaign fufilled 1 and maybe 3...