message guideline

[CHU@xxxxxxxx id sma011890; Wed Sep 27 13:29:48 1995]

James said:

>Ric's concept of a 'rough draft' suggests an alternative approach. How about
>trying to come to consensus around a 'code of conduct' for pkt?  The 'code'
>can consist of some basic reminders, my suggestions being: (1) Tone it down;
>(2) Space it out; (3) Speak to the list; (4) Avoid the quote-back mode, but
>if you have to, at least place your message up top, not down below; (5) Take
>private conversations and flames offlist. One might also add: welcome
>newcomers and include them in the conversation.

I would add: n) Look again before hitting that Send key: does the msg
 move the discussion forward?  Is it substantive and pertinent?
 Is it just venting some spleen?  Is it just repetitive of what I said
 before?

I would modify (4).  Quoting is a valuable way to provide context and
continuity of the discussin as well as focusing on specific points one
which to elaborate upon.  The best way, IMHO, is to edit the quote down
to the several lines one wishes to respond to.  The worse is to include
the entire message whether it's before or after.  This message illustrates
my approach.

The Code of Conduct is probably the best way to proceed at the moment.
It should be sent to new subscribers.  If a poster appears to be
abusing the list, he/she can be sent another copy of the Code of Conduct
as a reminder.  If I get 10 copies of those in a week, it would tell me
something about my posting behaviors!  %=)

I DO subscribe to several lists and PKT is certainly among the most
successful.  The best model of success I've seen involves a relatively
small # of people who are passionate about one topic.  THEY make the
conversation come alive, exciting or boring in turn.  A list can
sustain many such groupings so the # of participants need not be limited.

In mailing list as in real life, most people are spectators.  That is
an important role.  Yet, I do feel that those who have put in their
energy and creativity to create the conversation deserves more say
in how the conversation is conducted than those who haven't.
This is why I don't feel a Vote is appropriate. A POLL to find out
what the silent majority wants to talk about might be more useful.
If may be that the topics currently ongoing is not sufficiently
pertinent to the lurkers.

As for the volume of messages, there are some technological solutions
which can help.  I've long use the Digest form and it is very satisfactory
except that it loses some message occasionally.  It is also possible to
pipe pkt message into a newsgroup.  This allows ANYONE at your site to
read it.  You can also set up filter and kill files to focus on just
the threads you are interested in.  Talks to your sys-admin about this.
It would increase PKT readrship also.

I have great respects for personalities on this list.  I'm confident
that gentle reminders coupled with personal restraints will resolve
any concerns.

Regards,

Arnold Chu


--
*******************************************************************************
Bear Stearns is not responsible for any recommendation, solicitation, offer or
agreement or any information about any transaction, customer account or account
activity contained in this communication.
*******************************************************************************