yes, you can't have order and build value without a clear sense of membership.  wouldn't you agree?

  -jmz


On Tue, May 18, 2010 at 10:09 PM, Jim <farli@cox.net> wrote:
fine Matt - I will sit here and watch the PLUG mailing list degenerate into everything it was never intended to just because I dont have to read it!

Grow up!  Linux is based on some serious principles!  Isnt it time you exhibited some?
if you don't like what's being said don't read it, but don't censor your fellow plug members from debating.

-Matt
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®

-----Original Message-----
From: Jim <farli@cox.net>
Date: Tue, 18 May 2010 21:57:17 To: Main PLUG discussion list<plug-discuss@lists.plug.phoenix.az.us>
Subject: Re: Killing PLUG softly

Well said, Alan.

I was there when PLUG reformed and watched it grow into a vibrant part of the Linux community.  While we all have opinions about a myriad of topics, the binding thread of this part of the Linux community, this mailing list, is not, never was, and never should be a venue for extended discussions of non-Linux-related topics.

When I saw a particular discussion devolve into lies and insulting name-calling, I was ashamed!  Too bad those who perpetuated that discussion would not or could not act sooner.

Here, we are all PLUG!  If you dont like being part of PLUG, if you choose to degenerate one of the best parts of PLUG into vile ranting and baseless accusations, spare the rest of us and take your pettiness elsewhere.

::steppiung off the soap box::

Alan Dayley wrote:
I've stayed out of this latest round of off-topic threads.  I am happy
to see vibrant discussion.  I am unhappy to see personal attacks and
other silliness.  I'm unhappy to see it go on and on.

This is enough.  It's just enough.

I don't go to a email list or forum on topic A to be drown in
discussions about topic W.  That topic W may be important, the points
and counter-points offered in brilliance and courtesy doesn't matter.
If the venue is supposed to be about topic A, the majority of the
conversation should be about topic A.  Etiquette and respect for the
community around the chosen topic dictate that other topics should be
minimal.

It doesn't matter how strongly you feel about what someone said about
some off-topic post.  Continuing to reply off-topic such that the main
purpose of the community is drowning into the background is
disrespectful.  Don't do it.  For example, it would be rude of me to
go to a meeting of alcoholics anonymous and use my turn to talk so
that I might espouse the benefits of a vegetarian diet.  Don't do it.

- Using the delete key is not the answer because that only masks the
destruction of the group's purpose.  And only masks it for one person.
 Same with filters.
- Flagging as "OT" is helpful but when the OT posts dwarf the
purpose-oriented information, such a tag is nearly useless.
- Moderation is not the answer because that will suck volunteer's time
and smacks of "babysitter-ism"  Do we really need to be forced into
good manners?  Really?

This is a Linux email list created by a Linux User Group for the
purposes of discussing Linux and subjects directly related to Linux.
Period.  Politics should only be discussed when it directly effects
Linux/OSS/FS use and promotion in some way.  To continue all this
discussion of boycotts, immigration and the like is killing the core
meaning of the group.

Stop.  Please.

Alan
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