[CLUE-Admin] Proposed language for email lists . . . please comment

[David Anselmi]

El Presidente de CLUE wrote:
[...]
> Dave,
> 
> I suppose we could do nothing, but I thought Zonker made a good point when he 
> wrote:
> 
> "We can't just assume there's an unspoken policy that everyone will absorb 
> through some kind of netiquette osmosis."
> 
> So, maybe I should have asked:
> 
> 1)  Does everyone think we need a policy?
> 2)  If yes, then what should it be?

I think our de facto policy works fine.  Note that no one has proposed 
anything that has bearing on Rick's post.  Even with more explicit 
policies (and many only cover posts to the list, which Rick didn't do), 
there will still be people who break the rules (intentionally or not). 
They will be dealt with and life will go on, as happened this time.  So 
the discussion about policy changes needs to happen separate from 
everyone's feelings about Rick and spam.

If we are going to change policies, it should be to shape the lists to 
be a better place.  What do we need to change about our community?  Is 
there a recurring misunderstanding that a policy could prevent?

We need to be especially careful with off-list behavior.  Besides being 
something difficult to enforce, we don't necessarily want to get in the 
middle too much.  Suppose Rick had sent his message to one person and 
that person complains to the list?  Rick says he thought the person was 
interested.  The person demands Rick's removal for policy violation. 
What to do?  (Though policy needs to be clear, there needs to be some 
discretion built into enforcement.)

I guess I disagree with Zonker.  There is an unspoken policy and people 
absorb it.  We can't assume that they will *if* we want or need to 
enforce the policy more rigorously.  Then it has to be explicit. 
Perhaps there are other reasons to have more policies but I haven't 
heard them.

I have been tempted in the past to put together policies dictating what 
I think are mail list best practices.  I've been sensible about it, but 
perhaps not altruistic.  Never had the time.  Perhaps that's for the best.

Peace,
Dave