At 05:30 AM 7/22/02, Erik Reuter wrote:
>On Sun, Jul 21, 2002 at 08:43:52PM -0700, Nick Arnett wrote:
>
> > I've learned not to trust new software until it has been thoroughly
> > tested.
>
>Prudent.
>
> > There are about a dozen who have agreed to participate.
> >
> > As anyone might expect, conversation on the test list has included
> > the topic of how to prevent the kind of problems Brin-L has been
> > experiencing, since the transition to the new list will be an
> > opportunity to make a fresh start. The idea under consideration was
> > suggested by David Brin -- something similar to AOL's "evilling"
> > points system. I'm looking at implementing something like that. If I
> > do, we have already said the obvious -- that such a system will need
> > to be reviewed and agreed upon by the consensus of the membership
> > periodically. And tweaked as needed.
>
>Sounds like a conspiracy to me. None of that is necessary for testing
>the software. And the subject could have been discussed on Brin-L. Why
>was it not? Why is a secret, elite "pre-discussion" necessary?
>
> > Because the new list has to be tested on the new list software and
> > server. Otherwise, it wouldn't be a test. (Had this been an actual
> > list, you would have been instructed where to tune...)
>
>Then why discuss real subjects in secret on it, when I'm sure a number
>of people would have discussed it and given input on the full Brin-L?
Well, since that cat seems to be out of the bag now--and if it acted
anything like my cats when I try to put them in the carrier bag to go to
the vet, there's no way we're ever going to get it back in the bag, or even
in the same room with the bag--perhaps you or others have some suggestions
as to how to prevent some of the problems we've had here when we go over
there? I ask this purely in the hopes of getting discussion about useful
suggestions that those setting up the new list can consider: I have no
power beyond that of being an ordinary list member like most of the rest of
you.
--Ronn! :)
I always knew that I would see the first man on the Moon.
I never dreamed that I would see the last.
--Dr. Jerry Pournelle
