[Linked to LO22133 by your host. Robert is replying to "Farewell remarks
LO22134" ...Rick]
On 8 Jul 99, at 16:03, Philip Pogson wrote:
> Speaking from "down under" I would like to say that overall, I do enjoy
> the list. Like Robert Bacall, I sometimes switch off, sometimes get
> exasperated, sometimes wish some people would post less, and at other
> times, that some folk would post more; but overall I enjoy the
> participation and the notion of picking up messages 12-16 hours late!
>
> However, like any complex network-system, a list will ebb and flow.
Since you mentioned me and I'm feeling a bit self-indulgent, I have a few
clarifications of any earlier remarks. My understanding of internet
discussion changes, I hope for the better.
One point I hope people will entertain is that in groups of this size or
similar size or smaller, the list gets "steered" and toned by whomever
chooses to do so via volume of posts and loudness (?) of posts. A very few
people can steer a list (the exceptions are larger lists like HR and
tr-dev).
One reason I stopped posting in large quantities (well, up to a week or
two ago), was I suddenly realized that I WAS being self- indulgent on
several lists by posting every day or several messages each day. And that
I was, in some ways, "toning" lists. Please note that is not a judgment on
others, only on my previous behavior.
It also seemed to me that the more I posted, the less I got heard - truly
in communication online, often less is more.
I think this list, more than any other can be steered by two or three
people significantly, and I think that there is an intimidation issue
operating here. Just as an example, if Philip, John Gunkler, and I post
long involved very abstract messages for a week or so, then that is
essentially what others will respond to, for the most part. And the
number responding will be very small - the topic only would need two or
three high responders to maintain.
If, however the three of "us" started a conversation on a practical
concrete point, that too is what people would join in on. But MORE would
probably participate.
Which brings me back to the ebb and flow comment that Philip made.
When you see a shift on this list in terms of tone and content, I suspect
you will be able to link it to the behavior of a teeny segment of posters
- either those that have stopped their previous posting behaviour, or some
people who have jumped in to take the steering wheel. Or shifts in how
Richard controls content and messages (or not).
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