In defense of civilized discourse

[Penny Padgett]

Hi all,

We can see that the street-fighting tone that the list has taken
on of late *is* driving people away.  I assume that for each poster
who announces they are leaving there are many more who do so
silently.  I think this is a shame.

I've tried to stay out of the bickering myself, both because I
dislike it and because I didn't want to add to the problem.  But
the problem persists.  Because I like this list and want it to continue 
in a form that I can live with, I propose the following: 

  - Attack the post (if you must), not the poster.  Do it
    intelligently or wittily or in some other way that adds
    to the value of the discussion.  It's my observation that a 
    politely phrased, tightly argued post is much more effective
    and persuasive -- nay, even devastating -- than one that uses 
    ad hominem arguments or other attack techniques.

  - Think of the people on the list as your colleagues in
    the small field of Pynchon scholarship.  Some of us are
    professional Pynchon scholars, some just do it for love.
    In either case, there is nothing to be gained by pissing off 
    your colleagues, no matter how violently you disagree with them.

  - Remember that in the end, we are here because we share an
    enthusiasm.  We have a lot to gain from one another, but we
    can't do it when the atmosphere is polluted with bickering
    and backbiting.  I believe that we can argue and disagree, to
    our great mutual benefit, without being disagreeable.

And if this is censorship or smarmy Miss Manners do-nice-ism, then
let it be so.  Fire away.

Penny