[Glorantha] Moderation

[Graham Robinson]

I'd have thought people should know all this, but the last couple of weeks 
suggest otherwise...

Hi. I'm Graham Robinson, and I run this list. The server this sits on is 
mine, I manage the software, delete the spam, and try to stamp out flame 
wars. And, yes, if someone decides to sue someone over a breach of 
copyright or libel on this list, I am potentially a target.

In return for providing the list, I get to set some rules. The "rules of 
the road" cover most of them. Everyone *should* have read them, but 
apparently some people haven't, so I'll repeat them in a moment. I'll also 
include the basic rules of etiquette.

My other job/privilege is that when people break the rules, I'm the one who 
deals with it. I have three tools I use :

1. Private e-mail.
2. Public e-mail - normally where there's several people involved in a 
thread that's become off topic or bad tempered.
3. Moderated status. I can set a person's membership so that all of their 
messages require my explicit approval before proceeding to the list.

I'd like the list to remain moderation-light, so prefer to use the first 
two tools in all but the most extreme cases. However, the last couple of 
weeks show that a number of people aren't paying attention. So anyone who 
carries on after I've said to stop will be switched to moderated status 
without further warning. No getting in the last word, telling people how 
dreadful they are, or justifying yourself - just let the matter drop.

Finally, I moderate the list so you don't have to. Being told that your 
behaviour isn't up to standard isn't pleasant, but someone needs to do it. 
If you have a concern about a particular thread, by all means drop me a 
private e-mail about it. Publicly telling people off can be seen as 
bullying - and one bully on the list should be more than enough.

RULES OF THE ROAD

1. Do not include large sections of a message in your reply. Especially not 
to add "Yeah, I agree" or "No, I disagree." Or be excoriated. If someone 
writes something good and you want to say "good show" please do. But don't 
include the whole message you praise.

2. Use an appropriate Subject line.

3. Learn the art of paraphrasing: Don't just quote and comment on a 
point-by-point basis.

4. No anonymous posting, please. Don't say something unless you're ready to 
stand by it.

5. Do not infringe anyone's copyright. Derivative material belongs on a 
website, not this mailing list. Keep quotes from published works short 
(less than ten percent of the original text).

There's a couple of other rules, which should be too obvious to need 
written down. Never-the-less the unwritten rules of the road are :

6. Don't feed the trolls.

7. Keep it civil.

-- 
Graham Robinson
graham at albionsoft.com

Glorantha Digest Moderator