Terry and the list
In part because of noise on the list and in part because I can only
afford mail from only a certain number of busy lists, I only read the
ASA list via the archives.
Yes noise would decrease on a moderated list and that would obviously
make the list more attractive. So I would give a hesitant yes.
Two downsides. As a listowner of both the acb and acg (christian
geology and biology lists) I know something about some of the work a
list requires and moderation would add a lot of work for someone.
The other MAJOR downsides is that moderation would almost eliminate the
rapid exchanges which are a great strength of an unmoderated list. I am
sure no moderator would read this message at 1PM so it would not appear
until the next day. Even in the day there could often be lags of up to
an hour in posts. That would change the nature of the conversation and
I think mainly in the negative. Still when I weigh it against the
number of current messages it may be the lessor of two evils.
Perhaps the a third option is to make up some rules that would keep the
list on track and if folks do not follow them, then have the listowner
have the option of removing offending parties. Many lists screen who
they let on to the list. Of course then I might have to get the list by
mail and given the number of posts, I probably would not. I think some
form of this third option could keep the list on track and not produce
the negative lag between posting and having your ideas appear on the
list.
PS I really liked our having Collins on the list. Maybe we could have
someone like Plantinga on to discuss how the ASA could gain reputation
as an academic group. The christian philosophers have done it.
-- James and Florence Mahaffy 712 722-0381 (Home) 227 S. Main St. 712 722-6279 (Office) Sioux Center, IA 51250
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