List Members,
In the past two weeks we have seen an increasing number of argumentative / off topic posts / and increasing numbers of spam posts all received through rec.arts.bonsai. These posts not only waste my time, they waste yours, and fill our archives with what can only be politely described as garbage.
We/I have three alternatives: (and others have already said I should not open this up for discussion). So for 24 hours or so let's discuss. I strongly urge any and all lurkers out there to join in this discussion. After that I will close discussion and do what I feel needs to be done.
1) Put up with it. Continue to issue pleas for it not to happen (mostly disregarded and which also fill the archives).
I need to say here, that those of you on the list know that I prefer to let most topics run their course, without intervention from me. I'll tell you that several members ask for my intervention or stronger list management from time to time but I try NOT to become the final arbiter of what is or isn't okay for us to discuss as long as it's somehow tied to bonsai. Tom's limericks for example were a wonderful relief for me when they returned (thanks Tom).
2) Sever our link with RAB. Bingo, those who only wish to be spammers/trolls or whatever description you wish to use will no longer have access to all of us unless they Join The List. Of course if they do join, I could then be sterner in the control of posts clear to the point of banishment from the list.
Here I need to add that -- I -- found the LIST via RAB. I don't know that I would have ever found you folks without it. We're in this to promote the art/hobby (let's not quibble) of bonsai. Rec.arts lets us be found by newbies. I have no clue right now how many lurkers are out there who read and learn but haven't posted yet. I am willing to post weekly/bi-monthly messages to RAB so that those searching can be invited to the list and find the knowledge they seek. I do know that we currently have 540 subscribed members.
3) Immediately place offenders on a filter list. This will prevent those of us on the mailing list from receiving the problem RAB posts -- unless, of course, someone else on RAB replies to an offending post. (This option would not keep these filtered spammers or other offensive postings from RAB; their posts would continue to show up on RAB). Pressure on our IBC list archives would be relieved -- except for those replies -- since only messages that make it to the list go to the archives. But it would add a lot to my workload.
540 of us. Are you tired of receiving this stuff in your mail. This is, after all is said and done, YOUR LIST. Which would you prefer. For the purpose of open discussion, please post ALL replies to the list.
Shelly Hurd - List Owner/Manager
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