On Thu, 3 Apr 2003, Frederick Noronha spake thusly:
We were talking about improving the quality of this list, so here are some random suggestions that come to mind:
o Introduce the list to new members; it always helps to have critical mass.
All who want to know will come : And all those who come on their own free will by their own initiative will also respect this list more.
o Ask list members what *they* expect from the list
A list is a forum for communication and interaction regarding an area. What has individual's expectations got to do with anything. The list, IMHO, should be able to discuss in free spirit anything under the sun as long as it has anything to do even remotely with GNU/Linux. In-fact more too with [ot] markings. A community will develop a bonding only if they /feel/ involved. Only if is part of their lives. And our lives are not just about GNU/Linux or any one thing. The best example I find of an online forum in comp.lang.lisp. I have seen famous people use comments like "eat my pant Erik" :-) and discussions ranging from war to English lang there .. but I have found that forum to be the __most__ informative and insightful forum till date. Some of the regulars have been posting on it for 11-15 years. They feel it is their own "gang". There is that belongingness which prompts people even to talk about personal thing sometimes...
o Expand the admin team, allocating specific responsibilities to each
The less the admins the better. The more you try to control the more ego problems will arise.. leading to a lack of interest from many.
eg. I lost interest in our list some time back because I got fed up of things like Philip's moderator messages to all and the high handed attitude of others. Note: I have a _very_ high regard of Philip and used to read most of his posts as he is among the few here who are interesting to read.
o Set up another mailing list for linuxers-admin, to coordinate activities among the linuxers
Bullshit. Be open. Be equal.
o Link up events/reports/happenings on *this* list with (i) other LUGs and FSUGs in and around Mumbai and within the rest of India and (ii) other international networks such as linux-announce@NEWS.ORNL.GOV This work should be specifically alloted to one or two persons
why ?? Why do you want to turn this into a promotional forum?? This is a community of people who use and love GNU/Linux. Let it remain so.
o Encourage silent members to post
duh.
o Lot of behind-the-scene emails to encourage more positive activity on the list
OMyGawd!!!! Are you serious? That is the worst thing to do as it will just create pseudo groups inside the list and increase the level of politics which is as it is very high.
o While getting angry is natural and a sign of youth, higher politeness levels could ensure better communication
A little bit of spice (if in control) is always welcome. People who are /involved/ will get a little excited. And that is not necessarily bad.
o Women members, who seem conspicuous by their absence, need special encouragement...
I wholeheartedly agree !! :-)
Suggestions from others could take this debate forward. Greetings from Goa! FN
Goa. umm.. Where the wi... flows like milk ... !! Lucky You!