I guess it is time for some of our regular and potential contributors to
review our posting guidelines. A link to the Ontario Field
Ornithologists' website is at the bottom of every Ontbirds posts. You
can also view Ontbirds posting guidelines directly by following
http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
A post should be written with the reader in mind. Most readers are
looking for information about how to find birds. Images are helpful but
should not be the focus of a report. The questions that should be
answered are who, what, where and when.
"Where" is probably the most important part of post. People reading your
post are from all over the province and beyond. They may not be as
familiar with your location as you are, so start with a recognizable
location in the subject line and give complete directions from a known
location in the message body.
"What" is particularly important if a single species is the focus of
your report and should also be including in the subject header. Current
species names as published on the Ontario checklist (as well as the AOU
and Clements lists) http://www.ofo.ca/checklist/checklist.php should be
used.
"When" adds substance and content to your post, not just the date but
the time of day can add to the utility of a post
"Who" we ask that all posts clearly identify the poster with a signature
that ends the post with name, general location and email address.
Modesty is great but telling us who saw the bird adds weight to a
report. Stating that a bird was seen does not answer who saw the bird.
Stating that you saw the bird does.
Everyone should benefit if we can keep the content of an Ontbirds post
down to the basics.
The content of your post is your responsibility but you should always
remember that as a contributor to Ontbirds you are an ambassador for
birding. Your post needs to reflect that. Pay attention to the Ontario
Field Ornithologists' Code of Ethics
http://www.ofo.ca/aboutus/ethics.php That requires a sensitivity to bird
welfare, private property and public safety.
--
Mark Cranford
ONTBIRDS Coordinator
Mississauga, Ont.
[email protected]
905 279 9576
_______________________________________________
ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial
birding organization.
Send bird reports to [email protected]
For information about ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/
