This message is from: Steve McIlree <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > QUESTION: Am I being a "big green meany" by asking if we can > voluntarily limit our postings to the sorts of message copied below > (or other threads concerning tail scratching, selenium in soil, mane > trimming, etc. that are of general interest to the list), and send > more personal replies only to the individual? (e.g., thanks for > postings, reactions to humorous postings, etc.) > This is not in any way an attempt to stifle long distance > interactions over things that might be of interest. I see such > interpersonal electronic interactions as one of the liberating > aspects of the internet. However, this is a typical restriction most > of the other lists I participate in request people to observe. > What do others think?
Let me first quote from the statement of purpose which was contained in the "Welcome Message" which everyone received upon subscribing to the list. =======================From the Welcome Message====================== Typical subjects may include selection, breeding, care, training, and use of Fjord horses. Postings of competitions and clinics, and "for sale" ads relating to horses and equipment are welcome. Non-related commercial ads, chain letters and flaming will not be tolerated. Personal experiences, discussions of training techniques, good advice and pleasant conversation are always welcome here. View the list as an opportunity to sit around the kitchen table with friends and discuss Fjord horses over a pot of good coffee. ===================================================================== To me the essence of what I want this list to be is in that last sentence; a discussion with friends. This should not have to be a guarded conversation. One shouldn't have to worry before they post a message. This is _NOT_ an academic discussion list. I have reviewed all the messages for the past month, and it seems to me that all stay on topic as well as any other horse-related list in which I participate. I don't mind seeing messages thanking someone for a good posting. Maybe a public word of gratitude will prompt an equally good input from someone else. My only suggestion would be to say merely "Thank for the great posting on XYZ", rather than quoting the entire original XYZ message and then saying "Thanks". A friendly discussion around the kitchen table will contain asides. As long as they don't stray too far afield, I think the list has room for them. -- Steve McIlree Owner/Administrator - FjordHorse List
