Re: OPE-L

[glevy@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

Reply to Marcus concerning the archives:

(1) It is a list decision. If the list want to make the archives publicly
available, we can do so. This is one of the many differences between
OPE-L and most open Net mailing lists. When was the last time you saw a
procedural _motion_ on the Marxism list that had to be discussed and
agreed to or rejected? We have a research focus and we want to get
something done so we actually have to make collective _decisions_.  On
the Marxism list, discussions are inherently spontaneous. On OPE-L, while
we need some procedural flexibility, we also need to remain focused. This
is very challenging in practice due to the following reason.

(2) It will come as no surprise to anyone to hear that Marxist economists
have long been divided by theoretical perspective, historical tradition,
political perspective, etc. Some of these divisions have been
long-standing and personally acrimonious. One of the things we have found
is that not everyone is familiar with the printed works of others writing
in the same field. OPE-L was _designed_ in such a way that this diversity
would be represented on the list. Most theoretical perspectives among
Marxists are represented. We even have a well-known Analytical Marxist
and a Post-Keynesian. Virtually everyone is a published author. How best
to actually get this group to _talk_ to each other and really _listen_ to
each other in good faith?  I believe that archives which are available
to list members alone helps this process. It allows for greater
informality. It allows us to say something which we decide, in
retrospect, is wrong. It helps us deal with each others' perspectives in
a less contentious manner. (BTW: there have been over 800 posts and _no_
flames).

(3) I'm quite sure that we will publicly release information regarding
our discussions in due course.

(4) We, IMHO, have the _right_ to make these decisions for ourselves. You
do not have the _right_ to read all of the materials from our archives.
What we are attempting is very challenging and has never been attempted
before by such a diverse group. We are _not_ an open mailing list. There
are many important differences. I expect that, over time, both open and
closed Net lists will continue to proliferate, Do not assume that what
works best and seems fair for one list, is best or fair for all.

Jerry


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