Message-ID: <3.0.4.32.19991211164208.00690b60@mail.francomedia.qc.ca> Date: Sat, 11 Dec 1999 16:42:08 -0500 From: Hubert Duvieusart <mailto:duvieush@FRANCOMEDIA.QC.CA> Subject: Let us rebuild the thrust To: mailto:DEVEL-L@LISTSERV.AMERICAN.EDU
Hello Everybody,Postings on this list have run somewhat out of control, and some list members would like to ask the list-owner to intervene. This list however is not moderated. Same thing happened a few years ago, and the list manager had to step in. At the time, the manager was Vicki Tsiliopoulos, at VITA, but I have not heard from her in a long time. (Volunteers in Technical Assistance, VITA, is a well known NGO based in suburban Washington DC)
Anyway, I am enclosing hereafter the memo Vicki sent to the list in January 1997. I found it in my personal archives. I have also the FAQ mentioned in this memo. I can send a copy to any interested list member. If there are many requests, I will post it on the list. It is only two and a half pages.
May I make a few suggestions ?
-keep cool; -ignore provocative postings; -filter out, in your mail software, messages from people you feel do not behave properly, so you do not even have to see their posts; -insults are never acceptable.
This said, I will add my full signature at the bottom of this post, and hope that, this time at least, nobody will attack me for being a consultant : I am very proud of the work I am doing.
I sincerely hope we will now get back to fruitful discussions about technology transfer in development. Greetings, everybody!
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Transcription of Vicki's memo
Hopefully this will get everyone's attention so that we can all get back on track again.
Although you may or may not agree with the following recommendations, since VITA set this list up and is responsible for its management I would appreciate your cooperation ion.
1. I will remind ail of you that DEVEL-L is an UNMODERATED list. You should, therefore, be prepared to endure some postings that do not conform with what you believe the purpose of the list to be.
2. Having said that, let me DISCOURAGE you from making it a habit to flood the list with off-topic items. Since the list is not supposed to be moderated I have tried to limit myself to Gentle reminders on a PERSONAL level to those that are violating the letter and/or spirit of the list. I believe that it would'be inappropriate to limit the number of times per month that someone can contribute to the list, as some have suggested. I also believe that there is something to be said about allowing for SOME theoretical discussion. In the interest of everyone's sanity, however, I will begin to exercise my option as list manager of blocking your right to contribute to list discussion if you ignore my personal requests.
3. If you have any doubts about what is appropriate for this list please refer to the FAQ sheet that has been sent to you. If you do not have a copy please send a note to me at mailto:granados@vita.org and I will send you another copy. We will also try to post it once or twice a month just to keep it fresh in everyone's mind.
4. Please refrain from engaging in long debates and getting involved in long-winded theoretical discussions. They do NOT strengthen your arguments. They do take up everyone's time and detract from the value of the list. If you have a valid point te make take the time te formulate a posting that is succinct. That will ensure that more people will be able to read and appreciate your point. If you need more than a couple of paragraphs to make your point please consider that your posting may be redundant. If you need te engage in a long discussion or argument with others te clarify something please do that on a PERSONAL level and if you feel it appropriate SUMMARIZE your discussion at a later date and share it with the list.
5. Please refrain from insulting others on the list. Remember that if you have a valid point you are trying to make the point will stand on its own merit. If "KNUCKLEHEAD" isn't inclined to get it he/she will be even less inclined to try to understand your point if you begin using terms of endearment. Please also keep in mind that intellectual arrogance will also net be tolerated.
In closing, I regret to inform you that VITA does not have the time or the resources to start a DEVEL-THEORY list. Furthermore, we don't feel that there is a need to start one. It is our belief that things cannot always be considered from a strictly practical standpoint and that as long as we follow certain guidelines everyone can benefit from some theoretical discussion. Theory is invaluable when it comes to opening up new avenues or approach and new practical applications.
I hope that this has been helpful and look forward to your cooperation.
Sincerely,
Vicki Tsiliopoulos DEVEL-L List Manager
Hubert Duvieusart, agr. Montreal, QC, CANADA mailto:duvieush@francomedia.qc.ca agro-economiste - agronome conseil Agro-economist - agricultural consultant Conseiller en developpement rural Rural Development Adviser