Posting of Off-Topic Discussions (was Abortion)

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Laura wrote:

 

<<<So, if you don't mind, I will try to outline my thoughts in a concise

manner...(I know some don't like this forum being used to talk about

other issues, but I don't understand why...they don't have to click on

these topics do they?):>>>

 

 

Hi Laura,

 

Actually, a good many of us on this list receive the message by email, and thus,

these messages are sent directly to our inbox, so they're unavoidable. Some

members also receive the messages in digest format, which makes it is virtually

impossible to overlook messages regarding 'other issues.' I had to go off of

digest mode for exactly that reason. It was impossible to archive messages I was

interested in, without having to archive other messages, too. When you start

receiving over 300 emails in a single day, you quickly realize the importance to

limiting messages on a list to relevant topics. ;-) (I couldn't imagine being

on a dial-up connection, which I'm sure some members are.)

 

I do think it is important to keep topics on this list relevant to TCM, CHM and

acupuncture (or specific to the list), as much as possible for the reason above.

I know it's very easy to go off in another direction when a post brings

something else to mind. Perhaps, when members wish to discuss off-topic

material on this list, it would be helpful if each of us would begin the subject

line with OT, followed by the subject, e.g., " OT: Abortion, " as this would

make it easier for folks to locate relevant posts, rather than having to read

through off-topic discussions (although it still won't reduce email volume, it

will make it easier to skip off-topic posts). Often, it is very difficult to

tell what material is included in a post, or whether or not its relevant,

without first reading it. This is especially true if the topic was originally

relevant, but then has gone off-topic since (as has happened with the 'Abortion'

topic, for example). IMHO, topics of a controvertial nature, such as religion

and politics (not laws relevant to TCM, of course), would be best left off of

the list entirely, for everyone's sake.

 

Just some thoughts that might things a little easier with regard to posting.

=-)

 

Kindest Regards,

 

Andrea