On Tue, 27 Nov 2001 13:36:00 -0800 
Chuq Von Rospach <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

> How we handle it depends on whether we see the list as
> topic-focussed or community-focussed. Are others noticing that?

There's also a middle ground.  I primarily run topic-focused lists,
but realise that the success of those lists is due to their
membership communities.  As a result I massage topic with one hand
and the community with the other.  As with most such things its a
balancing act.  

> Is the list "about the San Jose Sharks"? Or is the list "for San
> Jose Sharks fans"?

Then there's, "The list is about Foo and helping people with/do
Foo."  Its not a simple clear cut dichotomy.  

Most of my lists not only have the topic definition of <technical
field> but have a base purpose of "improve <technical field> and
advance the state of the art."  The state of the art is advance by
people and their contributions, and so social engineering and human
relations are a large (huge) factor.  At the same time they can't
dominate or else you've abandoned the list purpose in pursuit of ego
stroking.

-- 
J C Lawrence                Satan, oscillate my metallic sonatas. 
---------(*)                He lived as a devil, eh?              
[EMAIL PROTECTED]               Evil is a name of a foeman, as I live.
http://www.kanga.nu/~claw/  Reviled did I live; evil I did deliver.


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