Re: List Filtration (a.k.a.: Signal to Noise Ratio)

Lee Daniel Crocker (lcrocker@calweb.com)
Thu, 26 Dec 1996 21:00:25 -0800 (PST)


> >If a limited list has inherent value, why not take the obvious,
> >simple, and fair approach of charging for it? Only those with
> >enough serious interest to participate and support the list would
> >join, and that level of participation could be adjusted by price.
> >That would also prevent a scheme like that above from excluding
> >valuable participants with unpopular views or confrontational
> >rhetoric, ...
>
> You might similarly argue that there are too many trash books
> published, so let's put a tax on authors. The value isn't in limiting
> the number of posts in any ole way, it's in somehow increasing the
> average (reader-perceived) quality of posts.

I certainly wouldn't argue anything close to that. Putting a price
on the list limits it in a very specific way--to those willing to
make a specific commitment to supporting it. The other objection
raised to my idea is valid--that it hasn't worked historically. And
this is not a tax in any way--it is a fee for services provided.
A secondary effect is that it would improve the discussion, perhaps
not in the direction you personally might like it improved.