open forum

[GN842@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx id <01HVOYY2WMWC8X4FNF@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> for pkt@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx; Mon, 25 Sep 1995 12:43:44 -0400 (EDT)]

The IPE net (subscription process identical to this one, at
same address, just use ipe where you used pkt) has recently moved
to a moderated format.   The discussion going on here is identical
to the one that the IPE group went through for the past nine months.

In spite of the non-moderated format, the pkt net seems to attract
higher quality contributions, which may have something to do with
the difference between an aggregate of mostly economists vs. mostly
political scientists (I am in the latter camp), or may have more
to do with the intimidating nature of "post keynesian theory" to the
unitiated.

I don't know whether software would permit it, but it would be very
simple to ration postings to one per day (three was suggested by
s.o. else; once a week begins to lose the possibility for remembering
what the reply is to).  People who overcontribute could simply have
their messages cued and brought on at the rate of one per day; sooner
or later they would slow output.

I would suggest that the one per day rationining system be tried.
It could always be liberalized if the net "dries up" or cut back
further if the net continues to suffer from overload.  Why not
try a trial period of three months?

I plead guilty to occasionally shootoing off a snide comment rather
than thinking about what I *really* need information on.   This is
my second message today; I will self-impose a one per day resriction
but suggest that it be tried so that thoughtful folks won't feel
drowned in drek.  After all, the more time one spends reading
books and other materials, the more one has to contribute.

Greg Nowell
aka gn842@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx