Re: [NTLK] [OT] More Food for thought...

From: Lou Forlini (lforlini_at_sspi-software.com)
Date: Tue Feb 12 2002 - 13:54:58 EST


At 12:46 PM -0500 2/12/02, Eric L. Strobel wrote:
>> If I was *really* offended, I could filter, or 'killfile', the
>> person.
>
>Agreed, as could I, but some folks take the Digest form of the list. They
>can't filter and end up with terabyte-sized digests.

    Fair enough, but I think that just has to be taken into account
when choosing to receive the digest version - you have to do your own
"mental filtering".

> Perhaps the only
>'penalty' should be 1) a polite reminder from the list admin;

    Sure.

>and 2) killing
>the thread from inclusion in the digest [with, perhaps, some distinctive
>text prepended to the subject for non-digesters to filter on]. That is, the
>virtual equivalent of a "scarlet letter". The items would still be showing
>up in the archive and we ease the task of those who wish to filter the
>offending thread, but we don't actually ban the offender. We just make it
>easier to shun that person.

    Sorry, can't agree. 1) It just makes work for the List Dad, who
probably doesn't need moderating added to his workload, 2) you're
back to the "why was my post censored and his wasn't" argument, and
3) you end up making decisions for *all* digest subscribers, many of
whom may want to see all of the posts.

    Like I mentioned before, I subscribe to a few other
professional-topic lists. When stuff starts getting a little out of
hand, a simple post from the List Dad (or Admin), is all it takes to
steer things back on course. Occasionally, a private friendly
"reminder" needs to be sent. Very rarely have I ever seen someone
actually banned from a list, and usually that was for true "spamming".

    Here are some samples I've seen lately:

    "I think we've beaten this topic to death, let's let it rest
unless some new information comes up." (on topic, but getting
repetitive)

    "OK folks, this is way off topic, please take it to e-mail" (off
topic for more than a few messages)

    "This is off-topic, but since I know we're all concerned I've made
a new list to discuss it, at..." (after Sept 11. BTW, the new list
was very active for a few months but now has limited traffic)

    The key is, it has to come from the List Dad, or someone appointed
by him. If someone jumps in on his own authority to play List Cop,
it just angers other subscribers and generates more noise.

    (Eric, the following is not directed at you.)

    There are too many thin-skinned people subscribed to this list.
If you really want to be on a list that is never off-topic and never
has a question that's already in the FAQ, then *start your own
moderated list*. Otherwise, you can help this list by:

    1. Labeling off-topic posts. I'm glad to see that most of us are
actually doing this now, it's a great improvement.

    2. Refrain from complaining about every off-topic post that you
see. It just adds to the noise and starts another argument.

    3. Post on topic to stimulate the kinds of discussion you want to see.

    And my personal pet peeve:

    4. Read the FAQ. How many posts do we need each week about what
kind of batteries can be used in your Newton?

    OK, flame suit is on :)

    Regards,

    - Lou Forlini
      Software Engineer
      System Support Products, Inc.

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