Haines resident Sheri Loomis saw a long discussion about art on Haines crosswalks on the local Buy-Sell-Trade Facebook page early this summer.
She didn’t think that page was a good fit for that subject. But no other social media forum existed for people to voice opinions about Haines topics.
Loomis created Haines Chatters in June, and it has become a popular Facebook site for discussion of community issues, with roughly 180 members.
Haines Chatters describes itself as “a group for those who want to share and discuss community events and issues, promote fundraisers and personal businesses, or share information and news.”
“I think it’s a really good forum for our small community,” Loomis said. “People can have an open mind without yelling or screaming at each other.”
It’s a way for people to discuss the community without having to leave home or attend public meetings. Loomis said it is also a way for community officials to see some opinions that they may not have heard before in face-to-face communication.
Loomis and former Haines resident Scott Haston are both page administrators, making sure the posts and comments follow the page’s rules.
Loomis took rules from a similar community page and adapted them for Haines Chatters. Some rules include: no personal attacks on or harassment of another poster or member of the community of Haines; no vulgar or sexually explicit content; no use of names, locations, phone numbers or anything that could identify a person or business when posting a negative comment; and no personal attacks on an administrator.
Loomis has had to remove two posts since the page’s inception – the most recent in late September occurred when a post attacked two people by name. When Loomis removes a post, she explains on the Facebook page why it was eliminated.
“We absolutely promote people giving their views, but they have to do it respectfully,” Loomis said.
Recently, people have posted plenty about local and state politics, including Tuesday’s municipal election and the cut to the permanent fund dividend. Dan Egolf endorsed Judy Erekson several times on the page: “She’s not grinding any hateful axes like some other candidates,” Egolf wrote.
Loomis started a long string of discussion about the PFD, with comments from 15 different people who shared mixed opinions on the cut. Alissa Koverdan shared, “I am definitely thankful for the $1,022 but I feel sad that the State is mismanaged that we do have to give up that extra amount.”
Anyone wanting to join the Haines Chatters Facebook page must have a valid Facebook account. Loomis checks prospective members to make sure their accounts are not fraudulent or hacked. To join, search for Haines Chatters and click the join button on the page. Your request will be approved by an administrator or member once verified.