Jeff M wrote: > > I also have a problem with this whole WOB tax. I thought this was a > > discussion list. A place to discuss things, and have a conversation.
Jeff H wrote: >It irritates me every time I see this complaint. Not because I disagree >with what you said above, but because _no etree admin_ _ever_ said >"Don't discuss things." No one from etree admin ever said "If you >discuss, you have to pay a WOB tax." That is just a misconception on >your part and the part of many etree'ers. It's _not_ true. The only >time a WOB is required is when you ask for something (like an ISO or a >login). Otherwise, no WOB is necessary. This IS a discussion list. So discuss >music, shns, etree, anything related to etree all you like and don't add >a tax if you don't want to or can't. It isn't required unless you are >asking FOR something. Hear, Hear! Both Jeffs are absolutely right. Indeed, the WOB thing has gotten distorted, and not due to any impetus from etree's 'un-leaders', oldsters or as RoM put it, tight-asses. Let me make clear, as one of the aforementioned tight-asses (according to some correspondents, anyway) that this WOB stuff has gone way too far, probably to the point of deterring many folks from posting at all. Individual members of the community have progressively exaggerated the WOB Tax 'requirement', and it's quite true that at times a holier-than-thou tone by some (chiding others for not offering a "WOB Tax" has been way overdone) has contributed to the exaggeration of the concept. Others see those opinions expressed and mistake them as representing the rules of the community, and on it goes. The "WOB Tax" began, and continues in the FAQs (our Constitution, such as it is), as a tax on grovels, period, the policy being that grovels are discouraged but if one *must* grovel, at least contribute something back. It was most certainly *never* intended to be a "poll tax" on posting opinions or questions about anything on-topic. Over time the phrase has often been expanded in common usage to encompass the generic "I'm gonna make an offer to show my appreciation for etree" thing, which is wonderful, but that's not a WOB tax and it's also not obligatory, just a Good Thing (for now let's just leave it to our resident theologians -we actually have some - to ruminate over whether doing Good Things is inherently obligatory). PJP's retirement (by the way, a huzzah and many thanks for your efforts, man, it's never fun to be the umpire and you weathered it well) gives us a good opportunity to try to function as a true community, unmoderated, without dissolving into total anarchy and nasty bickering. It's also a propitious time (today's $20 word) to have some discussions about how we wish to function as a trading community and the rules of engagement on the list. All of which, let it be said, is absolutely on-topic. My one suggestion for today (I'll try to limit myself to one a day) is that we refine our terminology about offers, restricting the use of "WOB Tax" to its original intended meaning of offers which are made in penance for grovels or other truly off-topic indulgences. All other offers simply based in kindness, a desire to contribute, etc., should be referred to in some other terms reflective of those salutory motives, such as Pay It Forward, Giving Back, Thank You, I Love etree, whatever you choose, just *not* WOB. Only if we stop calling offers that aren't true WOB Taxes by that name will we stop perpetuating to recent arrivals and others this misperception that one *must* make an offer just for expressing an opinion, or asking a question, about something quite on-topic. OK, maybe I lied, one other combined suggestion and entreaty for today. Please, please, let's keep it kind. If RoM or any other member who feels trollish at the moment posts harsh stuff, let's not fire back, let's just let it go. Our friend in Norway is right, it's just frustrating and saddening to watch the family fall into bickering, and those who post their anger toward the troll ultimately just contribute to the bummer. If there's really a reason to post disagreement (as opposed to "YOU"RE the a**hole!!!!") then let's try to do it civilly and respond to the merits rather than get sucked into the game. NO, I don't want to be the moderator. Don't have enough time, enough patience, nor enough Xanax. ;-} Besides, we really should try to see if we can't be kind to one another and abide by the very few rules of the tribe without having an institutional authority figure, who inevitably becomes just another target for some folks' anger. <soapbox mode off> Wilbur _______________________________________________ etree mailing list <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> http://mail.etree.org/mailman/listinfo/etree
