What can be done? I am really interested in a frank, civilized discussion on the state of the list. Along with a list of grievances, I'd also appreciate some real suggestions on how to actively improve the JMDL.
A very honest assessment, Les. I too heavily skim or delete or filter the majority of JMDL posts and as the years go by I find myself reading the list less and less.
The "community" you ask about has fractured. In my opinion, various camps have pitched tents here and are being territorial. Those who are identified as being not of the tribe are given the bum's rush or worse; personal attacks have become all too common.
I don't know how to "improve" it, other than to reprimand or uns*bscribe people who are abusive to others. I think that imposing a limit on the number of posts one is allowed to make on a daily basis would be a start. When someone posts incessantly on controversial topics it only serves to force the dissenters to reply in kind, creating a vicious circle. When someone posts incessantly on non-controversial topics it forces some to dismiss the posts as excessive chattiness...again speaking for myself I want to discuss "the life and times of Joni Mitchell," not what somebody's significant other had for breakfast that day or what percentage of JMDLers are circumcised. I'd like you to consider asking JMDLers to post no more than, say, four times a day. If enforced, this policy would greatly reduce the noise and may also serve to make posters more carefully consider what they are writing...instead of idle chatter perhaps we might enjoy a bit more thoughtful discourse.
And since you asked for frankness, I will state that while I am generally in favor of "hands-off" type management styles, I don't think a contemporary internet list with lots of passionate and diverse members can ideally function without some leadership. I'm not calling for moderation, rather a more active, vocal, and decisive list owner, one who will quickly jump in when the shit starts flying, ready to scold, threaten, or banish when necessary. Necessary to keep the topics in the ballpark, necessary to keep the peace, necessary to guide and shape "one of the best lists on the internet."
Scott
