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Re: THE NATURE OF THE LIST (Art -- Please Read)
Well said Geoff,
If list members become unruly, let's try peer pressure, via direct email (so as
to not clutter the list) rather then censorship.
Ted Betz
geoking@intercall.com wrote:
> Dear Art, and fellow list members,
>
> Didn't we just have this same discussion a few months ago, when Art removed
> the automatic "reply back to the list" feature?
>
> I check into this list at least twice a day. I begin every new day with a
> cup of tea, and the latest posts to the Meteorite Mailing List. I'm not
> exaggerating when I say that this list is one of my favorite things in the
> world. And that is because it is colorful, informative, occasionally wildly
> hilarious . . . and sometimes even the source of a bargain.
>
> Once again I would like to sincerely thank Art for making this marvelous
> resource available to all of us at no charge. It's obviously Art's list,
> and he will decide how to run it despite this post, and despite what other
> people will post on the subject. I appear to be in the minority here, but
> Art asked anyone who had a problem with this to speak up, and so I am
> speaking up. For the record, I am obliged to say that I am against ANY
> censorship of this list; I'm against banning people who lose their temper
> once in a while; and I'm against the banning of moderate advertising. I
> want to know when dealers' web sites are updated, and I want to know if
> someone is having a special sale. Does it really offend the sensiblities of
> some of our readers THAT MUCH to have the odd sale notice, for god's sake!?
> I do understand that the volume of mail has become a problem for Art's
> service provider, and that must be one of the reasons why some of our
> colleagues have been forcibly removed from this list. Perhaps some of us
> could volunteer to try and help Art find a more suitable internet provider?
> (Art, I would be happy to volunteer to try and help you find a more
> suitable internet provider).
>
> We are privvy to plenty of serious scientific discussion here; also some
> interesting news items; and much technical advice on a wide variety of
> subjects. The people who have "misbehaved" have also contributed to this
> list in their own way, not least by adding some color and contorversy (just
> like in real life) to what can be at times -- let's face it -- an
> exceedingly dull exchange of facts and figures. Two of those that (I
> suspect) were removed have been repeatedly baited by others who are still
> subscribers to this list, and that's not fair or proper. And at least one
> person proposing a permanent ban for them has contributed precious little
> to the list that I'm aware of.
>
> So, some members are being removed for being a bit naughty. Next step is
> moderation of the list. Then, perhaps we'll start banning people if their
> spelling and grammar aren't up to standard. No doubt I'll eventually be
> removed as well, because I criticised list policy.
>
> If some of the more outspoken and eccentric members of our community are
> banished, then a good deal of the sparkle and character will be banished
> with them.
>
> Art, please reconsider.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Geoff Notkin
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