Return-Path: <nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov> Received: from literacy (localhost [127.0.0.1]) by literacy.nifl.gov (8.10.2/8.10.2) with SMTP id h26KwXP24723; Thu, 6 Mar 2003 15:58:33 -0500 (EST) Date: Thu, 6 Mar 2003 15:58:33 -0500 (EST) Message-Id: <5.0.0.25.0.20030306124241.009e9b20@mail.aracnet.com> Errors-To: listowner@literacy.nifl.gov Reply-To: nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov Originator: nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov Sender: nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov Precedence: bulk From: Sylvan Rainwater <sylvan@cccchs.org> To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-esl@literacy.nifl.gov> Subject: [NIFL-ESL:8760] Censorship? X-Listprocessor-Version: 6.0c -- ListProcessor by Anastasios Kotsikonas Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed X-Mailer: QUALCOMM Windows Eudora Version 5.0 Status: O Content-Length: 2236 Lines: 37 I've read with interest the comments by several list members protesting the exclusion of a former list member. I have to support the list manager here. We have rules, called "netiquette" that everyone is supposed to agree to when joining the list. My understanding is that when someone appears to violate those rules, the list manager reminds that member of the rules, and asks him or her to cease and desist. In this case, the member not only did not stop violating rules, but indeed stepped up attacks and became even more abusive, calling people names, attacking others' ideas, and calling into question the whole concept of the list and its rules. I posted privately to him, trying to emphasize that this is not a matter of trying to suppress a political viewpoint (and in fact tried to tell him I agreed with him) but to attempt to maintain some sense of respectful discussion. My mistake. His reply to me was just as abusive as those to others, and he insists I don't agree with him. Okay, so I'm done. He's right, I guess I don't really agree with him, especially if his point of view is that everyone has to agree with everything he says or they are a <insert epithet of choice here>. If we have no consequences for violating the very reasonable rules of the list (and really the only consequence we can impose is removal from the list), then there's no point in having rules. We might as well say anything goes. I've heard of lists where that is the case, and newsgroups, chat rooms, etc. Those who want such a venue should go find one. Personally, I'd prefer a forum where we at least try to discuss things in an atmosphere of mutual respect, even if we disagree with each other, and where there's some understanding of the importance of how we treat each other regardless of our respective ideas. In addition, membership on this listserve, or any other, is not a right, but a privilege. I trust the list manager's judgment, and in this instance support her right down the line. -------------------------------------------------------------- Sylvan Rainwater . Family Literacy Coordinator Clackamas County Children's Commission / Head Start Oregon City, OR USA . mailto:sylvan@cccchs.org
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