I would be interested in reactions to the cancellation of the NBR Japan Forum either posted to this venue or sent to me personally at ehkuso@gmail.com <mailto:ehkuso@gmail.com>.
The broadcast messages announcing the cancellation follow.
EHK


Karolos Karnikis via
<https://support.google.com/mail/answer/1311182?hl=en-GB>
sendgrid.net <http://sendgrid.net>


Wed, 13 Oct, 09:51 (7 days ago)


to LIST

Dear Japan Forum Members,

As members are aware, NBR paused Forum operations for audit and review following an incident in which a message that violated our terms of service was mistakenly distributed to the list. This review was added to a broader review process already underway about the Forum's future at NBR.

NBR has operated the Forum for nearly 21 years, and after careful consideration we have decided that it is time for the Forum--or at least NBR's role in it--to come to an end.

So much has changed in the realm of communications and social media since the Forum was founded in 2000 with a grant from the Japan-U.S. Friendship Commission (JUSFC). Today, there are now many free, robust options for convening online discussions. In Google Groups, for example, it is possible to host a moderated list nearly identical to the Japan Forum.

We thank all Forum members, past and present, for making NBR's Japan Forum the active, engaging venue it was for so many years. We also remember and recognize Ed Griffin, the Forum's first moderator, who served until 2013. Finally, we extend our deep appreciation to John Campbell, who for the past eight years has volunteered his expertise, passion for his field, and countless hours to managing and moderating the Forum.

Thank you,

Karolos Karnikis
Senior Vice President
National Bureau of Asian Research

Dear Japan Forum members,

As you have just learned, NBR has closed the Japan Forum. A particular incident became the kikkake, occasion, for this decision, but I know that NBR managers had been considering taking some action for a while. Twenty-one years is quite a long time. I'm sure that many long-time members are grateful to have had this arena for exchanging our ideas and opinions. And I have enjoyed moderating for eight years.

If there is interest in creating another such listserv--email group--I would like to hear about it, and perhaps to take part in setting it up. In any case, please feel free to write to me at jfmember@nbr.org <mailto:jfmember@nbr.org>. I hope to stay in touch.

Yours, John Campbell