Notes and Comments on Robert's Rules

This third edition of Jon Ericson s "Notes and Comments on "Robert s Rules updates all references and page numbers to the tenth edition of "Robert s Rules of Order Newly Revised, "published in 2000. Ericson s guide to the authoritative parliamentary resource clarifies many of the concepts and rules that intimidate or confuse the members of organizations who use it, stressing that they have a choice inand may, in fact, modifythe rules by which they are bound.Ericson begins with the Order of Precedence, which he defines as the key concept in understanding and utilizing parliamentary procedure. He then uses a question-and-answer format in which a logical progression of essential parliamentary questions is explicitly answered, with a rationale for each rule. Throughout, he provides specific page references to "Robert s Rules. "Through these three elements, he makes classic doctrine intelligible and workable, leading the reader step-by-step through the rules and their applications and, in the process, encouraging people to feel more positive about parliamentary procedure and their ability to use it. Far too many members, armedor more accurately disarmedwith a misconception of parliamentary procedure, choose to spend a lifetime wondering what is going on and lamenting or blaming others when things fail to go their way, writes Ericson in the Introduction. Understanding parliamentary procedure also allows a person to have more funnot just the fun of socializing outside the business meetingbut the fun of performing in the public arena. A popular, concise, and clear handbook, "Notes and Comments on "Robert s Rules emphasizes the simple machinery of the system, relates its concepts to the procedures most commonly used in meetings and conventions, and encourages members to obtain and study, rather than shy away from "Robert s Rules of Order Newly Revised. "This new edition also expands the number of question-and-answer sections and surveys the research in and commentary on the field since 1991. A laminated, removable card featuring simplified charts of parliamentary motions serves as an additional resource and is included with the volume."