I wanted to expand this discussion that occurred last month on how to deal
with off-topic posts and posters.
I run an unmoderated list that deals with the teaching of psychology and has
anywhere from 500-1500 subscribers depending on the time of year. It seems I
always have one person who tends to ask questions that are in that grey area
of whether it is legitimate for the group (when you are dealing with the
teaching of human behavior you can make a logical case for almost anything)
and seems to be worded in order to stir up controversy for the sake of
controversy. This person quickly develops strong supporters in the group for
his right to offer these type of questions (e.g., the free speech arguments)
and logical arguments why they are related to the groups discussion of
teaching (e.g., these are the type of questions students often ask) and strong
non-supporters who reject anything the person says as useless or in some
instances racist, sexist, etc (though in each instance the statements are
open to interpretation). We then typically start into a discussion of whether
this person should be able to ask these type of questions. This happens every
few months and we are in the middle of one now.
Any suggestions or experiences in dealing with the type of subscriber that
seems to know how to play the edge and generate this type of off-topic
discussion that focuses on them and not the primary focus of the group?
Thanks.
Bill
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