In a message dated 1/9/2002 7:58:46 AM Eastern Standard Time, dredeman@w... writes:
<< However, in virtuality, avoiding those people is quite difficult. >>
actually dre, it is as easy as deleting their posts and, this can be done anonymously.
<< In the past we discussed moderation, and most of us were not for it, so we don’t have moderation. However, continuing without moderation is only possible if everybody on this list (but some people more than others) would think twice or trice before sending a mail. >>
i am vehemently opposed to censorship ('moderation' being the polite form of 'censorship'). as much as i detest the occasional pop up, whining post from some disgruntled lurker, i would not even agree to censoring them. my reasoning is this: what makes 'vocalist-temporary' valuable is its inclusion of a wide variety of opinions, even opinions that disgust us. we learn very little from those who agree with us. we learn far more from those who disagree with us, even if we never agree with them. by engaging in debate, we are forced to re-examine our own stance and, it is in the re-examination that we learn something new.
the thread 'celebrity and mortality' has generated more interest and passionate discourse, from more corners of our group, than any other subject in recent memory. though some who have engaged in the discussion have gotten very upset, they have remained engaged and, i can only conclude that this is their choice and, ultimately, they may be very glad to have that choice available to them. and yes, it is a choice. there is always the option to delete.
mike
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