[nabs-l] Off-topic list messages

[Arielle Silverman]

Hi all,
Sean and Mary appointed me as co-moderator for the list, so I want to
respond to the recent discussion about the radio show advertisements.
Here we have a custom of only posting messages to the list that
pertain specifically to blindness. The main reason for this rule is to
cut down on list clutter. David's radio show announcements are only
on-topic for the list if his show happens to be about blindness or
NABS. In this case, it is not. Labeling the post "o/t" also does
nothing to nullify the clutter generated. And no one is exempt from
list rules--not even our president.
However, complaining about off-topic posts on the list multiplies the
problem by increasing the amount of clutter generated. A post from
David once a month creates a little bit of off-topic clutter, but
seven replies to that post is much more of a concern.
I am not aware if the list moderators came to a judgment about whether
or not David's radio show announcements would be permitted. I am
willing to entertain off-list feedback from you guys about it, and I
think Sean as president should have the final say. My recommendation
is that the fairest thing to do would be to disallow any radio show
announcements that are unrelated to blindness. Otherwise, if we allow
David we have to allow everyone else. I think it's fair to invite
anyone who listens to David's show and who wants to receive future
announcements off-list to email David directly.
The most important thing, though, is that if you see an off-topic post
from anybody here, please do not reply to it on-list, as doing so
defeats the purpose of enforcing topic rules. Instead, please either
delete it, or send me, Sean, or Dave Andrews an email off-list stating
your concern. This will ensure the list remains as free of on-list
clutter as possible.
Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.
Best,
Arielle
arielle71 at gmail.com