Meta-Pyn-l

[argus.]

<grin> i lurk these days for other reasons than the flames, but i
have gone through at least four different cycles of p-list people
getting heated, complaining about flames, and contemplating 
moderation.  

and, as in this post, there is nothing that brings out more
non-contributing lurkers than a meta-discussion.  :>  how 
boring these posts are!  everyone knows what's right, and is righteously
suggesting it.

i like comparing .net groups and discussion lists to cafes, where
anyone may buy a cup and sit, and where the conversation may lead
anywhere, based only on the people who come to an establishment
because of its name or ambiance.

What confuses people on lists is that it sometimes feels like every      
single post is talking directly to *you*, because we are conditioned      
to believe every email in our box is a personally addressed little         
present from afar.  RESIST THIS DELUSION! 

we have all learned how to deal with a livid raging shouter in the 
corner, or a booming voice that overpowers all other conversationalists, 
or a pompous blowhard in REAL life, and what is hard is transfering
those skills to list life.  ignoring the unwanted, or what is commonly
known in Emily Post as the Cut Direct, has incredible social value.
In list life this is known as a "killfile".  The best thing about
ignoring those who cause you pain is that you never miss the good
stuff because it is always excerpted in other people's letters!

Moderation is more akin to a panel discussion, where you're allowed
to take the mike from the floor if desired, and very different from
a cafe.  i certainly think the types of people who enjoy pynchonian
slapstick are more suited towards cafe-style free-for-all.

So quiet those obnoxioius ones from YOUR end, and fight off-list
if you have to fight (take it outside to the alley, ya know?), and
post lots of good stuff that is exciting to everyone, and you'll
be real popular in our salon, and happier, too.  if you want help
setting up killfiles, write me directly, ok?

:>

much love, pynchon-l,
susanargus