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The Dilemma of Marc's Differential SCSI Cable
- To: Linux-IL mailing list <linux-il(at-nospam)cs.huji.ac.il>
- Subject: The Dilemma of Marc's Differential SCSI Cable
- From: Omer Zak <omerz(at-nospam)actcom.co.il>
- Date: Mon, 16 Apr 2001 10:40:07 +0300 (IDT)
- Sender: linux-il-bounce(at-nospam)cs.huji.ac.il
I have received unusual amount of hate E-mail after my previous posting
against clueless newbie questions in the Linux-IL mailing list.
The arguments revolve around two points:
1. Is this how you want to promote the use of Linux?
I am not interested in promoting Linux. I only use it.
2. If your time is so precious, why don't you just unsubscribe from the
Linux-IL mailing list?
This question deserves longer answer, which I am detailing below.
ANSWER
------
I am subscribed to the Linux-IL mailing list in order to keep up to date
with news and problems about Linux usage, especially in Israel.
This is valuable use of my time, so I spend time following the messages in
this list.
I do not want to waste my time reading (or even downloading and skipping)
clueless newbie messages to the list (while I am willing to accept such
questions IN PRIVATE E-MAIL, and help to my best ability newbies who ask
me questions in private - fortunately there are enough Linux oldtimers so
that this volunteer effort does not require much time from me).
I believe that I and other oldtime Linux users are entitled to a mailing
list, which allows us to communicate with each other, keep up to date and
consult about really tough problems - without having to waste time on
newbie questions.
A mailing list (about Linux in Israel or about any other topic) can have
one of the following policies about clueless newbie questions:
1. Allow them, unlimited.
- Wastes the time of oldtimers, and they would eventually
cease contributing to the discussions and unsubscribe from the
list.
2. Eliminate clueless newbies from subscribing to the list, by closing it
and keeping its existence secret - to be revealed only to people who
can be trusted not to post newbie questions to it.
- I dislike this alternative on general principles.
- There are newbies who do follow the rules and can be trusted not to
abuse the list. I want them in the list. They may eventually
contribute in high level, as they get more knowledge and experience
with Linux.
3. Install a moderator, who will reject clueless newbie questions.
- Would delay discussions on the list, because every message will have
to be approved by the moderator.
- A moderator might abuse his power to his selfish interests.
4. Allow anyone to subscribe to the list and post anything he
feels like to the list.
The policing will be carried out by flaming posters of messages, which
are considered by the majority as inappropriate for the mailing list.
- This is what we are doing today in the Linux-IL mailing list. Armed
with Marc's Differential SCSI Cable.
WHICH ALTERNATIVE DO YOU PREFER?
--- Omer
WARNING TO SPAMMERS: see at http://www.zak.co.il/spamwarning.html
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