radical remedy

[Milz]

--- In HPFGU-OTChatter at y..., naama_gat at h... wrote:
> How would you feel about closing the list (the mother list) to new 
members, at least for a 
> while? I have been feeling progressively disenchanted with the 
list, and I think that it is 
> due, in large part, to the enormous size it is now and the to high 
rate in which it grows. I 
> find the discussions less intelligent, less fun and less courteous. 
There is a sense of 
> ongoing friction which didn't exist before, at least not as I 
recall. When so many people 
> are joining, there isn't time for them to settle in before other 
new people join, and so it 
> goes on until it feels that the list has lost it's unique tone and 
spirit.
> 
> So, what do you think? Would it be too drastic a measure to close 
the list to new members? 
> What does (do?) the MOD squad think?

I joined the mainlist on September 17, 2000 (hmmmm...my anniversary 
is soon approaching). IIRC, there were about 300 or so members.

We were all newbies once. I think it's best to tolerate them. the 
subjects of their posts maybe repetitive, but I find myself re-
thinking certain things and re-formulating my theories. For example, 
the first time the gene theory was brought up, there weren't many 
takers. I assumed it was because most list members didn't know enough 
about gene theories to engage in a discussion. The latest gene theory 
discussion has had more takers and the discussions have been thought-
provoking. So I really don't mind newbies because they can bring 'new 
life' to these discussions.

I don't notice any general on-going friction in the discussions. 
Granted, there have been some heated discussions on the list, but 
nothing I would consider "on-going". Then again, maybe I ignore the 
signs. I've learned since surfing the net and various message boards, 
that the only problem with the written word is that you, the reader, 
must interpret the tone of the writing. I've found that various 
written comments can be taken various ways depending on the state of 
mind of the reader and the reader's general opinion on the subject. 
(For example, this whole message can be read in a seriously, 
obnoxious, know-it-all tone and it will be duly ignored. Or it can be 
read in an earnest, rational tone and it will be duly ignored <g>)

Judging by the sheer number of members, I think most of them are 
lurkers or that someone else has posted a similar thought/opinion so 
they don't bother posting. 

:-)Milz