Forum Policy

[John]

It's great to have the website expanding.

For those who may be a little unfamiliar with or unsettled by the JohnandTuly family culture, let us share our hope that this site remains a safe environment for discussion that does not deteriorate into petulence, passive-aggression, pettiness or antagonism. It's a part of our tradition that we work things out energetically, but not maliciously. It should be understood that in our paradigm, intense debate can be free of ill will.

It should gradually become apparent to any visitor, that we are a passionate lot, but that that passion is tempered by the presumption of good will and filial affection. The freedom to express opinion with fervor and conviction is rooted in our implicit trust in each other's good will and love.

For many years, Grandmother Huntington (Grace) kept a grimy three-by-five notecard posted on the kitchen bulletin board carrying a potent reminder from Brigham Young:
"He who takes offense when no offense was intended, is a fool; and he who takes offense when an offense was intended, is usually a fool."

We will strive to avoid the give and take of offense and refer all to the recent (Oct. '06) wise apostolic counsel from Elder Bednar which expands on Brother Brigham's savvy observation.

First and foremost, this site is intended as a documentation of John and Tuly's family life and character and as an affectionate support for improvement and progression. If you will pardon the paters as we paterize, we remind our children, Ian, Angela, Oliver, Steve, Lily, Bryn, Ann, Edward, Betsy, Margaret, Emma, and all to follow, of our adoption years ago of the 13th Article of Faith as our family motto. Remember: ...if there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report, or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

We welcome the connection with other family and friends and look forward to the expansion of the site in addition to the discussion pages. We are especially excited by the potential of the future family history/genealogy pages, and hope that you will all be anxious to contribute to that work as the years advance.

We love you.
Mom 'n Dad