From: Hal Finney (hal@finney.org)
Date: Fri Jun 20 2003 - 11:32:14 MDT
I have received some private email asking questions about my plans for
moderation. Here are a few brief comments.
First, I want to emphasize that this is a temporary role. The time frame
discussed was about a week. I am realistic enough to understand that it
may extend somewhat beyond that time, but I have no intention of becoming
a long-term moderator.
Second, I also do not intend to deal with old issues. I will try to
address new issues going forward, but I won't deal with old baggage.
That would be taking on an open-ended responsibility. I realize that
many people feel that they have been wronged and still carry grudges
or feelings of resentment. I'm sorry, but all I can suggest is that we
try to put these issues behind us and move on.
Third, I only intend to enforce the list rules, which I have appended
below. The main issue recently is personal attacks, dealing with
the character of the poster rather than the arguments he offers.
I realize that this is a gray area and that it is difficult to stay
on the right side of this line. Nevertheless I would ask that list
members redouble their efforts to follow this rule. Address arguments.
Avoid characterizing people.
A question has arisen about how list members should respond to problems:
"If someone attacks your character, insults you, or otherwise violates the
above rule, do NOT retaliate in like manner. Instead, send us a complaint
(to info@extropy.org) and take the matter off-list." I suggest also
copying my personal email address, hal@finney.org, since I'm not sure
that info@extropy.org is being forwarded to me.
My reading of this is that you should complain if you, personally,
were attacked. Don't complain on behalf of other people. As far as
replying to attacking messages, the rules only say not to "retaliate".
But keep in mind that if the message attacked you personally, it will be
very difficult for you to respond in an objective manner. Experience
shows that once a thread becomes personal, it usually only gets worse.
In those cases it is best to register a complaint as described in the
rules and not to respond on the list.
Last, if you do get a warning from me off-list, try to look at it
constructively. My intention is to encourage vigorous and honest debate.
The best way to do that with controversial topics is to keep things
objective and impersonal. If we can learn to argue in this way then
the quality of the list dialog will improve.
Hal
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