[pct-l] Thoughts on having a healthy mailing list

[kcristler]

I just can't see what is wrong with a lot of people getting riled up and 
jumping into the verbal fray with their 2 (or 4 or whatever) sense worth. 
Sounds like a list with some life to it to me.
         Kerry, Covina, CA
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Gary Wright" <gwtmp01 at mac.com>
To: <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Sent: Monday, August 25, 2008 11:06 AM
Subject: [pct-l] Thoughts on having a healthy mailing list


>
> It was recently stated in another thread:
>> These are serious issues that need discussion on the list.
>
>
> It is important to remember that this list (and most other mailing
> lists of any sort) are not mechanisms by which groups can come to
> some sort of decision via a majority vote or by consensus or by
> endless cajoling by vocal participants. This community is not some
> sort of deliberative group that has a responsibility of any sort to
> issue a report, set a standard, or punish its 'members'.  Lists like
> this are successful to the extent that everyone can, in a reasonably
> polite manner, share their views.  This is not the same thing as
> insisting that the group arrives at some sort of a decision regarding
> each and every topic that arises.
>
> Insisting on a consensus with regard to controversial issues is a
> great way to convert a mailing list into a mind-numbing echo chamber.
>
> For a mailing list to remain vibrant, interesting, and worthwhile,
> each member needs to individually:
>   -- refrain from ad nauseam posting on any topic
>   -- indulge in deleting messages from their inbox without responding
>
> Radar
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