thanks for the chance to practice constructive responses re: censoring the P-list

[Doug Millison]

I've always advocated that Pynchon-L become a moderated discussion forum,
if that's what you mean -- no secret about that.  I just prefer the way
moderated groups work, having to keep the discussion within boundaries
(more or less fluid) helps to keep the conversation focused.  But, over the
years, I've come to see that an unmoderated discussion has its merits, too
-- despite the chaff, the occasional grain of wheat emerges. In fact, the
best of the discussion happens -- in my opinion -- when we all work to keep
the conversation focused, and are mindful to write posts that address
specific questions other people have raised, that dig deeper into a topic,
that keep trying to relate the discussion back to Pynchon; I try to do that
myself, but of course fall short as we all do. It's still a worthwhile
goal, I think.

It's true that I may have expressed the desire that one or another person
not be permitted to foul this sometimes-wonderful conversation with the
kinds of harsh things that so many of us have said at one time or another
in the heat of anger.  I can think of several people who have asked me to
stop participating in the discussion, or who have demanded that I drop one
or another topic, etc.  -- I guess if I wanted to I could interpret that as
an attempt to censor me (I hesitate to even mention the hate mail and
threats that have come my way offlist, but I just chalk that up to some
real sickness out there, and hope that the perpetrators are able to get
help before they physically hurt themselves or others).  But I won't do
that, I think some of the people who come to Pynchon-L are pretty lonely,
with not much else to do, or maybe they really do need a place to vent the
frustrations that they may not be able to vent in their day to day lives,
and it's kind of sad to see people put so much energy into trying to insult
a perfect stranger when we could be talking about Pynchon and related
topics, but since I don't have any ability to control what others say, my
goal is to work on my own attitude and on what I have to say.  That's one
of the tasks I've set for myself in  2002 -- and I'm grateful to have such
a group of hard-working folks who are already helping me stay on that path
by giving me so many opportunities to practice these behaviors.  Thanks --
especially to Mackin and MalignD, you guys are a goldmine of a resource for
me in this respect, and it's nice to know that the changes in my behavior
are already obvious, Paul, thanks for letting me know that while of course
I've still got a long way to go,  it's starting to work.  You two -- Mackin
and MalignD -- may not have much to say about Pynchon in this forum, but
you're doing a fabulous job in giving me a chance to practice working on
improving my attitude and making more constructive responses. I'm very
grateful to you both.

Cordially,
Doug