On 6/25/05, Linuxers Admin linuxers-admin@mm.ilug-bom.org.in wrote:
Please comment on this list usage guidelines. We had a discussion on this topic before.
i have some reservations regarding private conversations on a public list :
/quote: 8. If a mail has offended you personally, please send a private message to the person expressing how you feel, instead of sending it to the mailing list. /endquote
Private conversations imo, should be avoided on a public list and its better for everyone to have open communication. In a private conversation (as above) if the situation escalates to a flame war there is no way to prove " who said what " and why someone found it offensive. Messages can be easily edited before being reposted and its more difficult to prove harrasment. Hence its better to have an objection which is there for everyone to read in B&W so the offender will be more careful about their language and what they write.