ADMIN: Anonymous mail and the handling of flamage

Dave Crocker (dcrocker@brandenburg.com)
Fri, 16 Feb 1996 08:11:10 -0800 

	Speaking as the list moderator, I'm going to ask folks to help
enforce some stylistic rules for this discussion.  Sending this note might
engender further discussion and distraction and I'll ask that you NOT send
comments back.  I'm making an administrative note but want us to stay
focussed on the content issues of this list.

	The list is intended for open and free discussion among a
collection of professionals.  My recollection is that there's been research
done about the benefits and detriments of anonymous contribution to a group
discussion.  When the participants are part of a strong hierarchy, the
anonymity helps.  Otherwise, it doesn't.  We aren't, so it won't.

	Please do not submit and do not directly respond to anonymous mail.
If someone sends anonymous mail and it has some interesting text in it,
then respond indirectly by submitting a fresh note to the list which
discusses whatever point you think worthwhile.

	Most importantly, we all need to refrain from flammage.  If you
can't write a note in a professional style (and I would contend that one
can substantively disassemble another person's arguments -- and sometimes
the person -- quite effectively while still maintaining professional
demeanor) then please simply refrain from posting.

	Email security has a long and distinguished history of engaging
people's emotions.  Been there, done that.  Time for us all to grow up.  (I
said "us".  I wouldn't say any of this as strongly as I am if I didn't
count myself as a regular offender...)  It is, in my view, the only way we
will make progress.  The topic is way tough enough on its own; we must --
repeat must -- not add to it with the  distraction of flammage.

	If you are the target of flammage, please either ignore the note or
respond (as, for example, did Padgett, for which I am appreciative)
strictly and only to the topical content and not the emotional.

	We now return you to your regular programming...

d/

--------------------
Dave Crocker                                                +1 408 246 8253
Brandenburg Consulting                                 fax: +1 408 249 6205
675 Spruce Dr.                                     dcrocker@brandenburg.com
Sunnyvale CA 94086 USA                           http://www.brandenburg.com

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