4 ms·

except it is very much relevant. their called "public comment periods" for a reason; they're a way for the public to give meaningful feedback on issues and pol

except it is very much relevant. their called "public comment periods" for a reason; they're a way for the public to give meaningful feedback on issues and policy that affect their lives. So, the content of those comments is exactly the point.

pitaj 8y ago
They're meant for the public to provide new, unique perspectives. Quantities aren't relevant, especially when most NN supporters used forms which automatically said the exact same thing and other entities spammed the comment period with marginally different generated texts saying the same thing.
- jack9 8y ago
  > They're meant for the public to provide new, unique perspectives Citation?
  - snowwrestler 8y ago
    This is so basic to the regulatory public comment process that it's hard to find a simple, clear citation, but this one might help: https://www.regulations.gov/docs/Tips_For_Submitting_Effective_Comments.pdf https://www.regulations.gov/docs/Tips_For_Submitting_Effecti... Key quotes: > The comment process is not a vote – one well supported comment is often more influential than a thousand form letters > The comment process is not a vote. The government is attempting to formulate the best policy, so when crafting a comment it is important that you adequately explain the reasoning behind your position. > Form Letters: Organizations often encourage their members to submit form letters designed to address issues common to their membership. Organizations including industry associations, labor unions, and conservation groups sometimes use form letters to voice their opposition or support of a proposed rulemaking. Many in the public mistakenly believe that their submitted form letter constitutes a “vote” regarding the issues concerning them. Although public support or opposition may help guide important public policies, agencies make determinations for a proposed action based on sound reasoning and scientific evidence rather than a majority of votes. A single, well-supported comment may carry more weight than a thousand form letters.
    - deleted 8y ago
      [deleted]
    - jack9 8y ago
      Ironically, the executive regulatory bodies also have mandates that aren't followed (across their existence), so I'm not sure that's a compelling reasoning.
- PeterisP 8y ago
  IMHO it's not really (or at least, not only) to provide new, unique perspectives but rather to gather public opinion whether the pros outweigh the cons to the public. In a democratic system, the public saying "we don't want it" is a valid reason for the gov't institutions to stop a project, no matter if they didn't get a new perspective and still think that the reasons are good.

pitaj 8y ago

They're meant for the public to provide new, unique perspectives. Quantities aren't relevant, especially when most NN supporters used forms which automatically said the exact same thing and other entities spammed the comment period with marginally different generated texts saying the same thing.

jack9 8y ago
> They're meant for the public to provide new, unique perspectives Citation?
- snowwrestler 8y ago
  This is so basic to the regulatory public comment process that it's hard to find a simple, clear citation, but this one might help: https://www.regulations.gov/docs/Tips_For_Submitting_Effective_Comments.pdf https://www.regulations.gov/docs/Tips_For_Submitting_Effecti... Key quotes: > The comment process is not a vote – one well supported comment is often more influential than a thousand form letters > The comment process is not a vote. The government is attempting to formulate the best policy, so when crafting a comment it is important that you adequately explain the reasoning behind your position. > Form Letters: Organizations often encourage their members to submit form letters designed to address issues common to their membership. Organizations including industry associations, labor unions, and conservation groups sometimes use form letters to voice their opposition or support of a proposed rulemaking. Many in the public mistakenly believe that their submitted form letter constitutes a “vote” regarding the issues concerning them. Although public support or opposition may help guide important public policies, agencies make determinations for a proposed action based on sound reasoning and scientific evidence rather than a majority of votes. A single, well-supported comment may carry more weight than a thousand form letters.
  - deleted 8y ago
    [deleted]
  - jack9 8y ago
    Ironically, the executive regulatory bodies also have mandates that aren't followed (across their existence), so I'm not sure that's a compelling reasoning.
PeterisP 8y ago
IMHO it's not really (or at least, not only) to provide new, unique perspectives but rather to gather public opinion whether the pros outweigh the cons to the public. In a democratic system, the public saying "we don't want it" is a valid reason for the gov't institutions to stop a project, no matter if they didn't get a new perspective and still think that the reasons are good.