Re: the ASA email list

Terry's statement, "Also, I don't see what's happening on the list these days to be particularly beneficial to the reputation of the ASA," is important. I recently got a post from someone in a 3d world country looking for some guidance in studying science & theology. In replying yesterday I thought of mentioning the ASA list, then reflected for a moment on some of the political harangues and fringe stuff & thought "Naah."

I have not always been as observant of the 4 post a day limit as I should have been. It's difficult to remember in the heat of debate - & especially in the heat of debates - i.e., when one gets involved in more than one thread at a time. But those of us who offend ought to make more of an effort here.

IMNHO the single most problematic thing here is topics that are not in the science-religion area. Of course in one sense religion, as a matter of "ultimate concern" can include everything & some political issues are certainly of religious interest. But some practical limits are necessary. Political discussions ought to be out of bounds unless they are dealing with things like legislation on stem cell uses, nuclear energy &c. & same sex unions - yes, I know I've been involved in these discussions - should be out. That doesn't mean that all discussions of homosexuality - scientific basis, religious treatment &c - should be out. But whether or not the state &/or church should allow same sex marriage should be out.

Shalom
George
http://web.raex.com/~gmurphy/
  ----- Original Message -----
  From: Terry M. Gray
  To: asa@calvin.edu
  Sent: Monday, June 12, 2006 12:36 AM
  Subject: Re: the ASA email list

  Paul, Glenn, and all who've contributed to this thread,

  Composing meaningful combined replies is the recommended approach to the problem Glenn and Paul raise. Those of us who don't sit in front of our computers all day reading and answer ASA list mail are well-served by such thoughtfulness. I'd suggest that the debate is actually well-served also since it causes us to synthesize our thoughts a bit.

  And, by the way, it's 4 posts per day. Also, I'd suggest that a post that simply says "please explain your reasoning" could be sent off-list and not count as one of your 4.

  So who wants to volunteer as moderator? It's a huge time sink--we've tried it in the past. I'd not recommend going that direction.

  I'm quite open to an ASA member only list--if that's what we want. I don't really see a point to managing an open list if there is going to be a second list where serious discussion takes place. Also, I don't see what's happening on the list these days to be particularly beneficial to the reputation of the ASA. But, on the other hand, it's not that big of a deal--there are only about 300 list members and only 10-20% of those are active. I suspect that little over half are actually ASA members. Of the active participants there are just a handful of non-members. If non-members want to follow our discussions, they can read the web archives and then comment on them in their blog. If they want to join in the discussions, they can join the ASA. i don't really think it's unreasonable to go this direction.

  What do you think, Jack, Randy, Ted (some of the ASA big-wigs who participate in the list, if you're wondering why I mention them in particular)?

  As for switching to a web-based system--I'm all for it. The last vote we took, as someone noted, had the email format preferred in a near 2-1 majority.

  TG

  On Jun 11, 2006, at 9:48 PM, Paul Seely wrote:

    glenn wrote
    <<Look, today I asked David Siemans to explain his reasoning. That was a very short post, but would have counted as one of my 2 per day and it didn't really say anything. And lately I have had several people throughout the day send questions to me.>>

    Yeah. I was on a different list for awhile where a number of people would answer me all at once, and I would be faced with trying to answer all of them. I know Glenn gets this all the time. So, whatever rules are made, they should take this into consideration. Perhaps, two posts/day per thread?

    Paul

  ________________
  Terry M. Gray, Ph.D.
  Computer Support Scientist
  Chemistry Department
  Colorado State University
  Fort Collins, CO 80523
  (o) 970-491-7003 (f) 970-491-1801
Received on Mon Jun 12 07:23:49 2006