Murphy, James wrote: > 2. Degradation in the value of the list due to "dilution"
I get to be the voice of dissent today, I guess. This is the largest problem here, and I disagree that "go somewhere else" is the right answer. These lists provide value because of the people on them, not because of who hosts them. But I have expressed (as others have) that it's very frustrating that only 5-10% of the posts are interesting. If you find the right way to split the groups, then it works out. I think their choice is a fine start. Could it use some tweaking? Undoubtedly it will warrant it after they're been used for a few months. I'm in agreement that a "-data" list is probably inevitable. > In fact I'd like to see fewer "How do I populate a DataGrid using ADO.NET" > style questions. I can get that _everywhere_. Yes, but you can't control the level of experience everybody has on the list, and you can't control the questions they ask. :) Whether you split the lists or not, this isn't going to stop newbie questions (and I'm not really convinced it should). What would stop newbie questions is moderation and a FAQ. But who has time to moderate this group? It would probably take 2 or 3 people working full time to do it. Besides which, I'm not even sure it's appropriate, because: > I like the "What is intention of this design technique or that > implementation choice", etc. The members of this list are very informed > individuals and IMO this is the unique and valuable stuff. This is why there is an "advanced-dotnet" list (that is moderated to ensure the level of question and response stays uniformly advanced). > - this ML is like drinking from a firehose but whenever this comes up > seems most folks like the "all in one" approach. Is this true? I've swung back and forth at times, but the volume now is overwhelming. Something has to be done, and soon, IMO. Having one list is too much. > Or is there something else motivating this change? Come now, the X-Files is dead. Leave it be. ;) Brad -- Read my web log at http://www.quality.nu/dotnetguy/ You can read messages from the DOTNET archive, unsubscribe from DOTNET, or subscribe to other DevelopMentor lists at http://discuss.develop.com.
