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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