Re: [orca-list] Topicality...again.

["nolan" <nolan thewordnerd info>]

On 03/22/2009 03:56 PM, Willie Walker wrote:
> Having said all that, if we end up with someone who is going to 
> continue posting off topic things to the list after they've been 
> reminded of proper social behavior, I will start placing individuals 
> on the list of folks who need to have their messages moderated.
That's what I feel we might be dealing with here.

I've seen messages on-list and have received a few off-list basically 
apologizing for being off-topic. Please reread my point about not 
wanting to be the topic fascist.

I dont mind seeing URLs to Vinux posted here. If anything, that helps 
people find where they need to be asking questions. I also understand 
the occasional newbie question asked here, and don't think it's out of 
place to give an answer, as long as the person is advised to seek out 
appropriate channels. We've all done it, and quite frankly, I 
occasionally still do.

But if it becomes a regular habit, it really needs to stop. The table 
scraps analogy is a good one, and "I know this is off-topic, so please 
respond off-list" is like the dog becoming sneakier about getting the 
scraps.

I'm speaking as someone who has left a few blindness-related communities 
out of frustration already, because generic communities turned into 
"ZOMG how do I install my anti-virus and my computer is doing something 
strange!!!11!!" Frustrations were voiced, the moderators stepped in, 
people got angry that they couldn't discuss anything and everything 
because they were blind and as such the topic was relevant...the mods 
got tired of the fight, gave in and I left. I hope that doesn't happen here.