As much as I hate to participate in this discussion at all, I feel that I
must point out a few points that have either been missed or not taken
seriously.
First of all, even though I disagree with Jeroen's method, I understand his
intention.
Having said that, let me show y'all the Big Picture....
1. Current List Members -
Even though the archives are searchable and public, a compiled list of any
kind can and will be used against someone eventually. Case and point: When
my ex-wife and I divorced, she had a internet literate friend of hers search
the internet for anything associated with my name or any past or present
email address so that it could potentially be used against me. Guess what,
they found postings for the Brin list, postings for other lists, etc. They
actually attempted to use several postings from this list concerning my
position on gun control and other issues against me. Her attorney even
threatened to sue me for liable because I mentioned her in several posts
(not by name, but as The Ex) Anyway, the point is this, if someone creates
an end-all, be-all list of supposed bad list behavior, then it WILL be used
against someone somewhere.
Suppose I apply for a job somewhere and my potential employer looks me up
with one of the search engines and discovers that I am a member of the
"Brin-L Wall O' Shame". Suppose this potential employer decides that I am a
bit too argumentative and that he does not want to have to deal with that.
Of course, he only saw the "Brin-L Wall O' Shame" compilation and not the
other 900 posts that show that IAAMOAC. And this is not critical of Jeroen,
but when a list of that nature is created by any one person, it WILL be
slanted and biased - even if done unintentionally.
I refuse to take that chance. I have too much to lose out here in the real
world in the event that someone takes such a message compilation out of
context and uses it against me. I have nothing to hide, but I certainly
don't want to give anyone any ammunition either.
2. - Potential New List Members -
The bickering and backbiting on this list is bad enough as is to scare off
ANY potential new member. The ONLY reason that I hang around is in hope that
this list will someday return to it's glory of tolerant and intelligent
people discussing and debating issues and other interesting topics.
Anyway, back to my point... If I am looking for a list to join, and I ran
across this list and read the archives, I would not even consider joining.
However, suppose that we have a website that induces good behavior by
posting all of it's members messages that do not conform to someone else's
idea of the list rules. I would NEVER, EVER join a list that does that. I
would, 1. - be afraid to post anything anytime, and 2. - I would be afraid
to debate anything for any reason for fear of being put on someone's list.
So my friends, here is the bottom line.... Regardless of what intentions
there are for making this "Brin-L Wall O' Shame", if that happens, there
WILL be a mass exodus from this list and you will almost assure that there
will be no new members or if there are, they will not stick around for long.
Ok, so I have had my say and I think that my opinion is very clear. No
matter what reply or rebuttal is made to this message, I absolutely will not
reply or contribute to continuing this topic. In other words, my silence or
lack of replies or not defending my position does NOT imply my agreement nor
does it mean that I concede on any point.
Gary - who is now late for work....
___________________________________________
Gary L. Nunn
Delaware Ohio
"When there is no enemy within, the
enemies outside cannot hurt you."
-African proverb
