Message-ID: <Pine.3.89.9701271038.D14195-0100000@lan.vita.org> Date: Mon, 27 Jan 1997 11:43:54 -0500 From: Dania Granados <mailto:granados@LAN.VITA.ORG> Subject: Ongoing Debates--Action To: mailto:DEVEL-L@AMERICAN.EDU
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.
1. I will remind all 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 to make take the time to 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 to engage in a long discussion or argument with others to 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 not 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 fee lthat 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 of 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