>Personally, I think another separate mailing list will only serve to
>fragment the gerbil community further. Speaking only for myself, I think
>some of the topics listed as belonging on a social list have and have had a
>place here on the good 'ol GML. I have been a member of this list for well
>over 2 years, having signed off for one week during that whole time.
>
>There was what I thought was a good thread maybe a year ago about gerbil
>stories and funny antics that I really enjoyed reading.
>
> I also think it's perfectly reasonable to post death announcements,
>especially in the context of "I have no idea why this happened". It's just
>the sympathetic responses that should be sent privately.
>
>I don't think the goal should be to regulate what is discussed and where-
>if this is so, there should be a list for breeders, a list for genetics, a
>list for medical emergencies, a list for people selling gerbils/looking for
>gerbils, a general chat list, and it could go on and on.
There is a charter, that lists what this list was originally for, and with
time, the scope of what is being presented here has changed; and
is perceived by others to be straying from the original charter.
>I think instead the goal should be to modify and to educate people on how
>to post and respond to posts in the most effective, list-friendly way
>possible- all right here on the GML.
>
>Jill
I am not trying to fragment our community. I merely wished to
give a different forum, that allows more of the like minded to
indulge in things that have caused some dissention amongst
the ranks in this forum as of late.
In other specialty topic forums, there is often a parallel format;
of the technical and the social....to sort out what one is more
interested in.
Personally, I have an idea of what the GML was founded for,
and think that the last few months it has been straying wildy
away. Rather than have everyone fighting and leaving en-masse;
I have offered another area FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO JOIN
IT, with a different cant on the type and scope of messages
posted to it.
It may work, it may not. We shall see.
In the meantime, I have enjoyed a lot of what has come through
the GML; and found lots of those willing to help me; and turned
around and helped others where I could.
I am not forcing you nor anyone else to subscribe to this new list,
or to drop from the list here (the GML).
It is an offering of a solution to what seems to be an ever increasing
problem. If it works, then it is fine. If it does not work, the offering
shall be withdrawn.
Deb
Rebel's Rodent Ranch
---------
>> I have started a list with Listbot; called SocialGML.... everyone
>> on this forum is invited to sign up with it. I did this to remove
>> some of the more social aspects that this forum; which was
>> intended for asking questions about gerbil care and that
>> sort; and help everyone stay within the GML charter.
>>
>> This list IS for:
>>
>> *New website announcements
>> *Pictures
>> *Updates on clans
>> *Naming advice
>> *Cute stories and anectdotes
>> *Bragging
>> *Announcements about litters and updates that
>> aren't direct announcements to the Pup Count....
>> *I lost my little one and condolences
>> *Fun websites that are gerbil related (like the 'gerbil slave' bit...)
>> *Stories, poetry, and everything else.
>>
>> I love my little ones as much as anyone on the GML;
>> and rather than have us all see-saw back and forth;
>> here is one way of having the best of all worlds.
>>
>> The info gathered to join the list is very minimal; I
>> don't ask for addresses or phone #'s, just a question
>> about what country you are in, your age, gender,
>> and name. :)
>>
>> I hope this will soothe things elsewhere, and get the
>> GML back on track
>>
>> Debra Rebel
>> Rebel's Rodent Ranch
>>
>> Sign up at [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>>
>> [Watch for the Gerbil Rideshare Project; being held up
>> until I hear from Greyhound [Monday or Tuesday] who
>> has been receptive to shipping live animals! ]
