On 11/01/07, Mike Stevens <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Despite what I posted earlier, because some people of mentioned bits if it, > I've decided, as one of the ancient mariners > of this parish. to try to make some sort of summary of what happened. But > my memory of it all > is distinctly partial, in both senses of the word. > > I think it must have been about eight or nine years ago that it all > happened. At that time this list was privately hosted ( [Snip detailed history of the list and the gateway to usenet]
I would say that was a pretty accurate summary, Mike. But I also think that a very significant part of the problem was the different cultures on the list and the newsgroup. The list was a cosy place - the pub analogy - and quite a few members were not aware of the gateway to usenet that meant their pearls of wisdom could be seen by anyone on usenet. Subscribers to the list were mostly a pleasant bunch who were there because of their interest in canals, etc. Some people on usenet are there for other reasons. I believe AM is one such individual, and applying the term netcop is somewhat polite IMO. And with Dral he and others found something they could play with. I hope we never see that sort of thing again. John -- nine9feet lives!
