[Sigia-l] List Management

[James Weinheimer]

All,
To answer any lingering questions, there is no moderation of SIGIA before
messages are posted to the list. We believe that people can be trusted to
control themselves. I have been deeply involved in this list from the
beginning and it has been quite heartening to see that the vast majority of
times, people really can control themselves. Of course, I have learned a
lot. Although there are serious disagreements, the respect can remain and
real communication can be achieved. After all, this is what the list is all
about.

Sometimes, people become over-excited and may write things that they
probably wouldn't if they had thought about it a few moments longer. Since
this occurs, and the list is not pre-screened, everybody sees these
messages. The moderators can only ask for further self-restraint from those
who see these messages. Please remember that we are working behind the
scenes and there are *many* messages sent privately to people who need a
reminder.

The existence of kill files is not a solution to personal restraint or list
moderation, although it's an unfortunate necessity. If a list is not to
degenerate completely, personal restraint is still necessary.

Finally, my own experience has shown that during difficult economic times
(i.e. layoffs or their threat), people are more on edge. Please be a little
more forgiving at these times.

James Weinheimer
Moderator, SIGIA-L