[TowerTalk] Replying to the list...AGAIN!

[Tony King - W4ZT]

At 03:23 PM 7/21/2004, Joe Subich, K4IK wrote:

> > Now, the question is, WHY can't we get the list default
> > changed, since it's clear that the vast majority of us
> > subscribers want it that way?
>
>  ... because the lists at contesting.com are not democracies.

<snip>
Anytime someone starts their post like that, it will turn off at least 50% 
of those reading it.  Might as well throw gas on a fire.

>  As the administrator of
>two of the lists (not towertalk), I prefer it that way as it:
>
>1) prevents personal replies from reaching the list (which
>    would otherwise happen several times a week)

People should be responsible for their replies on the list just like they 
are in public. We all make mistakes but that's just life. I can live with 
other folks making mistakes just like I do.

>  2) greatly damps the start of a flame war ... one has to make
>    a clear choice to send to the list.  That encourages a
>    "think twice before hitting send" mindset.

That's why lists have administrators / moderators. If you don't want a 
flame war, stop it by placing the perpetrators in moderation (better still 
send them to the corner).

>3) it improves the signal to noise ratio as off topic posts
>    do not propagate as quickly or as long.

If this list continues to be a posting of questions without open discussion 
it's useless. Off topic posts seem to be routine on a lot of lists but they 
die quickly. If not, warn then send 'em to the corner.

>I have had lists configured BOTH ways over the years, and
>believe me, this way is far better.  One list developed such
>a problem with flame wars, ad hominem attacks and, off topic
>postings after being set to "replies to the list" that it now
>runs in a fully moderated mode.

You can't treat everyone as children.  Open discussion and exchange of 
ideas will not happen if all the responses go to the poster of a question. 
We've all replied and seen it go to the poster only when we had the intent 
for the list to see it. I think most members that have posted with regards 
to this subject have expressed the desire to see replies to questions in 
real time without having to wait for someone else to post them.  The 
archives become useless.

>Not to speak for the administrator of this list, but if you
>don't like the way this list is operated, there are other
>tower reflectors.

Good, that's your OPINION...

Certainly the administrator of a list can make decisions for him/herself on 
how things run.  I agree with the vast majority that the list should be 
default reply to the list.

Sir/Ma'am administrator, that's my opinion.

73, Tony W4ZT