I like the MoPo group. I don't mind the occasional ads
for selling posters. If I'm not interested or don't have the time, I delete
them. But sometimes I have a quick look and have found some nice pieces. I think
trying to keep on topic can be difficult sometimes. While it may start off
"movie based", sometimes topics proliferate into political or social issues. I
like that because it starts interesting conversation. I enjoy hearing other
people's opinions, especially since I know something about them from previous
"on topic" posts. It gives me, perhaps, a more rounded idea of who they really
are. Obviously, when one goes off on a tangent, that may be where you, Scott,
have to step in and remind we are getting way off topic. That's your call.
I thought the discussions about Brokeback have been fascinating. I was
surprised by some of the posts, but it has been very interesting. A little
controversy can be healthy. I don't think an occasional stray from "on topic" is
so bad. I have come to think of many on our group as "friends" and sometimes you
just need to say what you need to say!
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Saturday, February 04, 2006 8:25
AM
Subject: [MOPO] MoPo's Second Decade: The
Big Question
I posed this issue earlier this year when the "Brokeback"
discussions were hot and heavy. I was surprised at the lack of
response.
As MoPo enters it's second decade on Feb. 24th, where do
we want this group to go?
Are you all satisfied with the way things are and the
"rules" we impose? Should we open things up and be more of a community of
people who share a common interest in movie posters but want more from each
other? Here's what the FAQ says about posting (to refresh your
memories):
1) Personal attacks of any kind will not be
tolerated. This includes name-calling, innuendo, insults or gossip.
2)
Off-topic posts are not permitted. There are ample places on the
Internet to discuss politics, religion, sex or any other issue. Posts to MoPo
should be related to movies, movie memorabilia, and the people who collect
it.
Obviously rule 1 is a good one. (Mr. Hershenson is happy
for that one!) But lately I've begun to wonder if the iron-clad
"on-topic" rule is such a good one. While I consider JR a friend and I value
his opinion, lately he has been the single person banging the drum about
staying on topic. I admit I've let things wander a bit. I did so on purpose to
see how MoPo might change. As long as our discussions have movies as their
BASE, I've been quiet. I've found the discussions brought about by
"Brokeback" and "King Kong" to be some of the most interesting things I've
read on this forum in quite some time. I also actually enjoyed finding out the
first poster many of you acquired (again sorry, JR, perhaps the "poll" was not
right on target, but it elicited posts that were worthwhile).
Is it for the better? Please, regulars and lurkers, let me
know what you think. MoPo is often criticized on some of the other boards,
like Not Suitable For General Exhibition and Movie Poster Forum for being
nothing more than eBay ads and an occasional want list. While not exactly a
true description, it doesn't stray far from the reality of our group. I have
to admit I really enjoy reading those other boards and I've been welcomed on
them by their administrators (thanks Ari, Phil, Andy) and their members (many
of whom are also on MoPo). The atmosphere is different than MoPo, especially
NSFGE! :) I think MPF has suffered some of the same controversies
we've had on MoPo concerning suitable posts and that has created some
personality clashes and member defections. But these boards are growing,
with NSFGE at 232 members and MPF at 478 (about the same as MoPo). The
newest board is Movie Poster Chat with about 82 members.
Perhaps because MoPo is an e-mail based discussion group
the concern at opening things up a bit is the possibility of an overflowing
inbox. If that's the case, a switch to DIGEST mode can offer you a single
e-mail daily. Or read the posts via the mail-archive.
One of the reasons (probably the only reason) Style-B was
created by Donnie Sullivan in Nov. 2004 was the enforcement of the infamous
MoPo "rules" that limited what could be posted. That was a bad time for our
group and it created a lot of ill-will among people. At the time I will admit
I was nearly ready to throw in the towel and shut MoPo down. While I'm not a
member of Style-B, Donnie and I did settle our differences and I wish him and
his now *very* small group well.
MoPo's not the only game in town anymore. Our subscriber
count has stayed fairly constant. Do we need to change? Should we stay as we
are? Are any of you bored, thrilled, awake??
I just throw this out for discussion. But I would like to
hear from the 400 of you who never say anything. I know you're out
thereĀ
.reading. So for once voice an opinion. Oh and I'm not picking on JR. He
just one of the few who posts his opinions and I appreciate that. I wish the
rest of the "silent membership" would do the same.
Your turn.
Scott
MoPo List
Owner
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