2009/1/15 Ravindra Jaju ravindra.jaju@gmail.com:
I don't think a "some members" == "majority".
Thats why a new list. So those who still want to discuss these issues can do it without bothering the majority.
These "few vocal members" can cause even the "freeculture" list to go off-track - *if* it follows a similar moderation policy as this list.
The idea is trust good intentions unless proven otherwise in freeculture list. So the idea is, as long as the member thinks it is on topic, it will be considered on topic. If some people want to deliberately mis use it, then the members can come up with a policy.
Ironically, the moderators of this list do seriously exhibit the "freeculture" type of culture - yes, really! Appreciable, but I believe they should put down their foot once in a while. We now have a few meta-moderators on this list, who point out valid stuff most of the times (top-posting being a prime example - against list policies) - but these are black and white issues. Problems crop up when it comes to issues open to so many kinds of interpretations.
freeculture list will run on good intentions assumption unless it is proved wrong. May be that will be soon, may be that would take longer. Its worth a try.
Personally, I feel that the Al-Jazeera posting was a pretty much interesting piece of news as it sets a precedent! Obviously, no one would be discussing AJ ad-infinitum, or others who follow suit - only this one time.
And look at the energy wasted in this thread! Most of it is destructive rather than constructive. Note it or ignore it, and carry on! Why fight over every issue?
Most of us are passionate about stuff we do. We are doing it because we like it, some times the responses can go over board. But things cool off.
A "u" and a "i" should ideally be pointed out off-list directly, and persistent violators can be put on the moderation queue - instead of such warnings forming the bulk of the emails here. It really ticks off a lot of people, and new people just get too apprehensive about posting *anything*!
Again, my 2 paise.
I agree mostly.
- Praveen