Logistics and *non* elitist objectives. (Post Quality Discussion)

[M.Clifford]

--- In HPFGU-Feedback at yahoogroups.com, "Sherry Gomes" 
<sherriola at e...> wrote:
> One practical objection to having a list or group only available 
from the main list is accessibility for members who are blind using 
screen reading software.  This would only affect a small number of 
members, 

Valky:
Oh no not at all Sherrie, this is a *very* important consideration 
regardless of how many members it effects. IMO they are members and 
deserve to be given a fair go. Unfortunately I am not all that 
familiar with speaking sofware, or what it is and isn't limited by, 
so an informed answer I cannot give. I will however try to address 
your specific points in hope that it can be of aid to a resolution 
that suits everyone.


Sherry:
In order to join a group on yahoo, a person must enter a graphical 
security image.  Our screen reading software cannot read thes 
graphics to us.  Even if a person is a member of yahoo, as I am, 
every time that person wants to join a new group, the security image 
comes up.  The only way around this for blind people is to join by 
email subscription, get a sighted person to help you, be invited to 
join by a moderator, or wait on the not so tender mercies of yahoo 
customer service for assistance.  Having groups that could only be 
accessed from the main group site would effectively limit people in 
this situation.
>

Valky:
I am aware, and also inflammed of the annoying GSI. I tell you even 
a 20/20 sometimes can't get it right.. oooh... grumble mumble -mort. 
but that's another matter.
I am bit confused as to exactly where the blind person gets impeded 
from accessing the new site so I will run through using it in point 
form and you can insert the problem where it occurs.

1. The member is made aware of the list through HPFGU special Notice.
2. Two links to the home page of the new list are so far available 
to them one in the special notice and one on the home page of the 
main list.
3. The new list has a public archive so members of HPFGU do not have 
to join in order to observe and read the lists activity.
4. The list is not in the directory so that access to it is offered 
more directly to main listees.
5. If the member wants to join or contribute to the new list they 
will be required to join. 
6. The new list will be monitored by a specific sector of the HPFGU 
mangement body to handle enquiries if needs be.

One final thing...

Sherry said:
> Besides, call me weird, but I don't mind the tennis debates on the 
main list.  In fact, I love the mixture of posts.  I love the debate 
and the back and forth that happens sometimes.  I also love the 
shorter discussions.  I love the humor.  It is the most entertaining 
list I am on, 

Valky:
I agree so totally, and actually I guess more than anything, I would 
like to been seen as one who is campaigning *for* a continued 
existence of it much rather than against. Though I know my real 
point is only slowly revealing itself through this discussion.