> Mike Johnston wrote:
> > Sorry, but this is totally inappropriate for the Pentax List. Totally. If
> > you want to discuss politics, please go elsewhere.
Tom R. wrote:
> This again?
> We had this discussion a while back, just after changing over
> from the pentax.com. The consensus seemed to be that we
> consider this to be a Pentax User's group rather than a Pentax
> Equipment group. That, within reason, we would talk about what
> ever interested the members.
Not really (unless "within reason" is intended to mean more than the rest of the post
indicates).
We've had this discussion, not to say flame wars, on this question not only a while
back, but many times during the two years I've been on this list.
The consensus, as I understand it, is not that anyone can talk about "what ever"
interests the members. The purpose is still that it generally should be photography
related. However, good natured posts on almost anything will pass for useful social
interaction, which creates a friendly atmosphere to the benefit of all.
Nevertheless, when subjects, OT or not, is turned into quarrels and bickering, that's
where offence starts.
It has simply been proved over and over again that some list members lack any good
judgement on what generally is considered good manners. This has in turn temporarily
completely destroyed the basically good atmosphere here on PDML.
Because of this I find it inevitable that we, ourselves, at times will have to act as
moderators, just like Mike did. (Being too impatient in doing so may however just as
well make matters worse, so...)
While on the whole a rather tolerant and generous list, there has been one subject in
particular that there has been a consensus on keeping banned from the list, and that
is politics.
To me Mike J.:s request to take the thread in question outside was entirely
appropriate.
It amazes me how one list member without the slightest consideration to the members of
this international list, repeatedly turns any slight comment into his personalized
diatribes on U.S. domestic politics.
I do not believe there is any list member from any other country that would even dream
of bringing their domestic politics into a subject for this list. But for one U.S.
member on the list this behaviour somehow seems completely natural.
> I respect your opinion, Mike, but the totalitarian tone is
> offensive to me. I get enough of the net police on usenet where
> they bitterly will post hundreds of messages complaining about
> one off topic post.
> While SudaMafud posts often rub me wrong, I find I have to
> defend his, and others, right to post what he will as long as it
> is not generally offensive.
The point is that the posting in question w a s generally offensive.
My main intention is to point out that I think consensus is that politics should be
kept outside the list, unless non-confrontial just in passing.
Lasse
-
This message is from the Pentax-Discuss Mail List. To unsubscribe,
go to http://www.pdml.net and follow the directions. Don't forget to
visit the Pentax Users' Gallery at http://pug.komkon.org.
