Michael, Others have said it, but I will add my voice to theirs. You have done a fine job of keeping this list moving forward (even when it does so by stumbling) without exercising an overly heavy hand. I have been in the past an advocate of the liberal use of the delete key as a remedy to noxious or worthless posts, but to what extent does the list have to subject itself to personal invective and sexist abuse in the name of "free speech"? Karl seems to me to be a deeply disturbed individual with whom it is very difficult, if impossible, to conduct a substantive respectful dialogue or to express principled differences. When I challenged some of his sexist ravings I, in turn, became the target of his verbal abuse. I can tolerate that to a point and tried to refrain from merely responding in kind. But here is why I believe you made the right decision. There are all too few women who participate regularly in these discussions. Maggie is one of the few, and I almost always enjoy and learn from her contributions. The presence of such a venomous sexist on this list will make it all the more likely that women who have subscribed will simply drop away, or the few who are willing to post will shrink from doing so. Why should they have to endure repeated abuse simply because someone chooses to take advantage of opportunities presented by open subscription. As list moderator, you showed patience and toleration and then exercised your responsibility. Otherwise, what is the point have having a moderated list at all? If, rather than sexism, Karl had expressed equally damaging racism, would those who have spoken in favor of allowing him to remain continue to be so inclined? Karl and others like him have many venues on the Internet to spew their hurtful vituperation. This list does not have to be one of them. in solidarity, Michael At 08:32 AM 7/7/97 -0700, Michael Perelman wrote: >I do not consider the fate of Karl to be censorship. I don't think that >anyone on this list disagrees with everything on this list. > >I had already written to Karl on the list about his style of behavior -- >not his opinions. I am more concerned about maintaining a satisfactory >signal-noise ratio. > >I am sorry that my action has upset some people. > >-- >Michael Perelman >Economics Department >California State University >Chico, CA 95929 > >Tel. 916-898-5321 >E-Mail [EMAIL PROTECTED] > >
