I think this is time for a couple of quick reminders to the listserv. First of all, Keith does a great job with the list. The average member has NO idea how much he does behind the scenes to keep things running. He adds members, takes them off when they request, helps people when their school servers block their messages. He keeps the list up and running from a technological point of view. Neither Ginger nor I have his skills. Without Keith, there is no MOSAIC. And, he isn't getting rich doing this job, believe me. >From time to time, we get a listserv topic that provokes strong opinion verging on passionate emotions. When a topic gets a LOT of posts quickly, many servers that receive the mosaic list mail see it as spam and no longer allow it to get through. Members with certain email addresses no longer get mail and then Keith has to try to cajole those responsible for the receiving servers to start allowing mosaic mail again. That is one reason we sometimes need to put the list on moderation... A second reason is that from time to time, emotions get strong enough on a topic so that it offends some people. When people are offended, they stop posting... or leave the list. Ginger, Keith and I start getting emails off list complaining. When people stop posting or leave, we have shut out a certain point of view. On the other hand, when we moderate a post because we feel it might offend we may also be shutting out a point of view. That is NEVER the goal...so how do we find a balance? Our goal is to have a discussion forum that is SAFE... that allows disagreement but does not allow members to disagree in such a way as to squash someone else's point of view. You have my pledge to keep the listserv going ... to keep discussion open as possible... but understand it is always that balancing act. We will always do our best to keep everyone participating and learning from each other. But that means sometimes the list goes on moderation. If we flood the list with angry posts...servers go down from email volume and also some teachers leave. I am open to hearing your opinions on how to keep the listserv a happy, learning-filled place. There are many teacher leaders on this list. Email me off list...I will listen to your thoughts. [email protected]_ (mailto:[email protected]) Jennifer In a message dated 9/19/2010 11:53:35 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, [email protected] writes:
I can tell that there are multiple, strong opinions on a variety issues regarding instruction and practice and this is a good thing. I just want to make sure that our members keep posts focused on methods and not personal affronts. I think that this conversation is valuable so please keep your opinions professional and respectful. I don't think any of us can assume to know the one "best" way to teach and reach the broad group of students in any give classroom. As an 8th grade LA/Reading teacher I found that certain kids benefited more from certain teaching styles and environments. A student that struggled with my (ahem) expert teaching went on to flourish when we switched the student to another teacher's classroom. I didn't take this as a rejection of my teaching, but on better meeting the needs of a particular student. When we are on emergency moderation, I only see the first sentence or two of a post. This is helpful to me time-wise as I can quickly determine if a post is legitimate and not spam or something that should be sent to a person and not the entire membership. So please, post and *support* your opinions on professional practice and not a person. There is great value in respectful discussion. I have just rejected a couple messages that seemed a bit inflammatory and personal. I don't claim to catch every inappropriate message. Be kind, respectful and thoughtful and please let me put away my moderation Nazi hat. I am going to lean towards extreme caution while this thread is active. Thanks, Keith Mack Web Administrator for Mosaic List [email protected] _______________________________________________ Mosaic mailing list [email protected] To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive. _______________________________________________ Mosaic mailing list [email protected] To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive.
