The main reason people think [off-topic] or [OT] is a good idea is not to
announce that they are doing something inappropriate. It's to be considerate
of those who do not ever wish to see off-topic posts. A simple subject
filter for everything containing [OT] or [off-topic] enables people to group
them or delete them automatically.
As for why or whether any off-topic posts are appropriate... Those who do it
with the subject flag generally feel that they are posting something
important or relevant to the list, but not necessarily 100% on the topic of
the list. Those who do not use the flag either do not know any better or
think that this is the correct forum -- the latter being in need of some
serious netiquette schooling. The current MS vs. Java threads are great
examples of threads that should have their subjects flagged, but also *do*
deserve mention on this list -- and all Java-related lists. This thread is
another good example -- it's about the list, but not as Nic put it, "helping
our understanding of servlets." On most mailing lists I have subscribed to
in the last 5 of my 10 or so years of mailing list experience that is
absolutely fine so that is my "default setting," so to speak. If the list
owner thinks that is not adequate, that's his/her prerogative and should be
placed prominently in a list FAQ. (Note that the "policy and guidelines" for
this list mention looking for other, more appropriate, lists for off-topic
posts but does not mention any overall policy on off-topic posting. Yes, you
do need to be that specific to avoid problems -- at least with people who
are used to lists with a more lenient policy.)
FWIW, now that I know Pier considers even limited off-topic posting a Very
Bad Thing, worthy of mailing-list capital punishment, this is my last
off-topic post to this list.
(BTW, I have never started an off-topic thread myself. I have replied to
several, though, including two -- counting this one -- on this forum.)
~Mike
----- Original Message -----
From: "Milt Epstein" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Friday, July 20, 2001 9:42 AM
Subject: Re: [off-topic]
> On Fri, 20 Jul 2001, Thompson, Willard (GTICCC) wrote:
>
> > I agree with this considering the monumental decisions that will
> > effect the technology community, this fall. Just put/include
> > [off-topic] in the subject. Also, threads like this would fade out
> > anyway.
>
> I don't see why people think putting [Off-Topic] in the subject line
> makes it OK to post something off-topic. Do you really think that
> announcing you're about to do something inappropriate makes it any
> less inappropriate? (As if that couldn't be determined often from the
> subject anyway.)
>
> I also agree with Nic (and Pier, who is the list manager, so I don't
> see why people don't listen to what he says) that we've had enough of
> this topic. Even if you take a lenient policy and allow a little bit
> of information posting and discussion on it, we've already had that,
> and it's time to move on. Anyone who wants to discuss it further
> should do so amongst themselves, and/or find and/or create a more
> appropriate place to discuss it.
___________________________________________________________________________
To unsubscribe, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and include in the body
of the message "signoff SERVLET-INTEREST".
Archives: http://archives.java.sun.com/archives/servlet-interest.html
Resources: http://java.sun.com/products/servlet/external-resources.html
LISTSERV Help: http://www.lsoft.com/manuals/user/user.html
