Just a comment from another person who moderates a similar list. I have been the "owner" and moderator of a hot air balloon mailing list for several years. It is a list which has been in existence for about twelve years. In that time, only two people that I am aware of have been removed from the list. One posted constantly about off topic items and threatened people with physical harm. The other was a person who was trying to use the list for personal gain. Outside of that, when individuals get out of hand, the group seems to be pretty good about moderating itself. Yes, this self moderation starts factions afighten sometimes, but it dies down in days and things return to normal. The list I run has over 1400 members worldwide.
I think the Ecoupe lists are terrific. While I cringe at times, I can live with most commentary. Also, there are those who offer opinions on every list that I subscribe to whose posts I always delete without reading. This is normally due to my mistrust of the person's statements and opinions. The moderators on this list seem to be knowledgeable people (one I know personally and he is a terrific and generous person) . I would not tell them what to do, but Al seems to be a reasonable guy with spirited points of view and a sometimes blunt way of putting things. I am more fearful of how he sets himself up in the eyes of the FAA than any statements he makes to members about the price of their safety. I hope he stays and he keeps the swap page running. I also hope he keeps the swap page running even if he leaves. Acta Virum Probant... John
