HELLO Folks:
This has been my first week, and my mail-box is overwhelmed. Considering
the several viewpoints that have been expressed and considering that some
have unsubscibed, perhaps you might be open to some suggestions that have
worked well in some other networks. I might add that none of them are without
problems.
First of all, gender is not an issue here. Anyone who subscribes to the
principles of THIS network is welcome! Let us NOT practice exclusivity,
please.
Second, there must be a way of handling all this chit-chat in a better way.
I suggest that there should be two mailings (like Native-L does) when a topic
gets more than two interactions, it moves on to another "CHAT" network. Other-
wise, the network is kept for postings, announcements, and current research
among scholars, or just simple news on what's going on in the non-academic
world.
Third, there is an acknowledgment on THIS network that flaming is easily
achieved despite intentions not to. My suggestion is to borrow from the
Bahai's. Whenever an idea is proposed, then it belongs to the table (the
network). So if someone wishes to challenge my suggestion, that person does
not need to mention my name, The suggestion doesn't belong to me anymore.
This also helps in defusing any ego that might come with the proposals.
Finally a network might consider the idea of moderation (not censurship!).
Two networks that I subscribe to are moderated and they are very succesful.
Of course this takes a lot of work on the part of one or two good persons.
So, without any flaming or referring to my name, I hope that challenges to
the ideas proposed might be aired and then passed on. IT WOULD BE A SHAME
TO LOOSE MEMBERS ON THIS NETWORK BECAUSE TOO MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING A
PRIVATE CONVERSATION, OR ARGUING ON A SMALL POINT OF CONTENTION. Life is too
short without leisure. PLAY ON!
CHEERIO
B Frederique S
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
