Matanya, You are quite right that the issues of publishers, socialists and rip offs are public matters. But one does have to define the nature of a public forum. A list server (listserv in old computer speak) is a community of people with a common interest, and when particular interests within that community take over the conversation by massive messages "to all" it is a disservice to the rest of the community. In my nearly twenty years of dealing with listservs (and often as administrator) I've seen a number of them die when a few take over the volume of mail and the primary function of the list becomes secondary.
You, as a publisher with an interest, have every right to express your opinion. But then I also use this list to find out how to play the lute. Is this the Lute Society, or the Publisher's Society? I have an MBA from many years ago, shall I start posting messages as to the value of investing in the stocks of luthiers? (If there is a publically held luthier <g>). Perhaps the research aspect of the LSA, as to the music, should be split from the direct questions on the use of the lute, but that would be asking too much of Wayne, and would limit the responses. So perhaps direct replies rather than to the list might be a matter of self disclipine. Best, Jon
