On Tue, 21 Aug 2001, John Foust wrote:
> The list is full of self-appointed and voluble experts on very obscure
> topics. You're happy when they're comparing the length and girth and
> texture of their big manly obsolete computer collection, but you're
> surprised when they drift off-topic and wax expert on other topics?
No, but I am irked, as are many other folks, when they go on and on about
senseless shit that doesn't belong on this list, or any list for that
matter (i.e. R.D.'s political vomit).
> I think the core of the problem is that, given off-topic topic X, this
> list tends to have a significant minority who cheerfully chime in
> about their experience in that non-CCC field. There's always going to
> be a fraction who are happy to go off-topic. Moderation will
> eventually piss off the bulk of the list, particularly if they think
> it's heavy-handed or inept. It's a thankless job.
Oh fucking well.
> >I say, if an off-topic thread hits four messages, all subsequent messages
> >are shit-canned, and the offending party warned. That should allow enough
> >flexibility for people to let off some steam and then get back on topic.
> >I'm in front of my computer a lot. Like most of the day. I'll be happy
> >to take on the first shift of a TEMPORARY moderator. It's an unpopular
> >job, I know, but I've never been one to shy away from controversy.
>
> How did we shift from "weeks" to four posts that might've taken
> minutes to arrive?
I was speaking of threads that go on for weeks, with many messages a day.
If an off-topic thread consisting of four messages gets posted over the
course of a week, I don't think people will care a whole lot. If four
messages of an off-topic thread come in within minutes, that's the start
of a thread that should be shit-canned.
> Pre-approving posts will lead to other accusations. Offers for free
> cool equipment are sometimes fulfilled in minutes here... and now the
> moderators get first pick.
That's a highly bogus concern.
> I've seen good moderators in my day. They had a very light hand on
> the reins. None of them succeeded in reforming the unwashed by
> repeatedly screaming "ASSSSSSSSS!" even if the heathen deserved it.
You know what? You're an ASS too.
> You have considered that the offenders intended to drag a stick across
> your cage just to see what happened, right?
I'm not that cynical. I'm sorry you are.
Oops, almost forgot...
:)
Sellam Ismail Vintage Computer Festival
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International Man of Intrigue and Danger
http://www.vintage.org
Received on Tue Aug 21 2001 - 13:04:24 BST