On Mon, 8 Jan 2001, SETH wrote:
> Since Chris has asked nicely, I'll try to answer. This forum is used
> to discuss subjects related to Pentax photographic cameras. Sure we
> can extend it to peripheral products that are made or marketed by
> Pentax. But where does it end? Do we start full examination of
> tripods, since Pentax USA use to sell one? Do we examine all minutia
> of photo film, since some Pentax P&S kits include a roll? How about a
> full survey of camcorders (Pentax has sold one may moons ago)? What
> about medical imaging products or surveying equipment? Inkjet
> printers? As long as we are heading that way, why not a full
> discussion of automobiles? Brands of canned tuna? Femine hygiene
> products? Where does it end?
You know, I can understand where you're coming from on this. I joined an
Aikido list once with similar expectations, and found that the OT posts
outnumbered the relevant ones by about 5:1 at least. When I asked
about it, one of the long-time members said that it wasn't so much an
Aikido dojo or lecture hall... it was more like the bar where you went
after Aikido class to talk about stuff. While that is obviously an
extreme example, I like that more relaxed approach. Of course,
preferences will vary, but it seems that the vast majority of us do have
occasional questions about film, tripods, trucks, computers, and digital
cameras. This has been going on for a very long time, and while it's no
justification for anything, this mixture does seem to have become the tone
of the group.
Since the PDML is no longer run by Pentax, it's up to the list owner to
censor the group (or not) as he sees fit. When it comes right down to it,
this is the way the group is, for better or for worse. If you don't like
it, you could always start an on-topic only group through egroups, or
filter out "OT" posts (we don't always remember to mark them as such, and
a friendly reminder never hurts there). Basically, since the majority of
members prefer the list to remain the way it currently is, then you can
either cope with it the best you can (filtering, for example) or start a
different list, which I'm sure some of us would check out. With
discussion groups like these there's no "right" or "wrong" way to
structure one; they're just different approaches. Each has its merits,
right?
chris
This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe, visit
http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions.
Don't forget to visit the PUG at http://pug.komkon.org
