[LINK] The future of Link

[Ivan Trundle]

Dear Linkers

I'd like to think that the debate has covered all possible options  
(in no particular order of merit or function):

1. Subscriber-side filtering.

2. Protagonist reprimand and sanction as required (server-side  
filtering as a last option).

3. Plea to all and sundry to return to previous values.

4. Let the disaffected leave.

5. A combination of the above.

(If I have missed other pertinent options, please feel free to add  
them to this list.)

It appears that (1) devalues the list for enough subscribers to a  
point which might predicate (4). On the other hand, it appeals to the  
non-interventionist libertarians amongst us, and is probably used by  
most for select individuals - and is more difficult to apply when  
whole threads must be filtered.

(2) is overly interventionist and against the spirit of the list, and  
might be a last-resort, and there is some difficulty in deciding the  
point at which action is to be taken.

(3) adopts a "let's all be sensible" approach, but might need a  
period of assessment to determine if it can work (and judging from  
the last month or so, will take some hard work). Personal coaching  
might be required, too.

(4) and (5) will occur if no steps are taken to remedy the situation,  
and if this thread ends with no action, is a certainty.

Perhaps the hardest part is being able to find a consensus...

I'm all for removing the testosterone from communications (thanks  
Jan!), and this debate has brought me around to thinking that (3) is  
the most agreeable option, on the proviso that the listowner (Tony)  
exercises the right to reprimand those who cannot (and here's the  
slippery slope) maintain a degree of civility. But Tony will need to  
exercise the right when called to do so - as much as I know that it  
might go against the grain.

This experience has been very useful in forming my views on how lists  
should operate: I oversee around 120 lists at present, and am from  
time-to-time called upon to pass judgement or offer advice on  
individual subscriber actions and how to make communications vital  
and energetic.

Link has now provided me with a framework for dealing with these  
situations in a considered and reasonable manner. Even if I were to  
join the ranks of option (4), I can (and do) thank participating  
Linkers for this much, at least.

Warmly

iT


--
Ivan Trundle
Manager, publishing and communications
Australian Library and Information Association
http://alia.org.au  ivan.trundle at alia.org.au
ph +61 2 6215 8232 fx +61 2 6282 2249 mobile +61 418 244 259
PO Box 6335 Kingston 2604 Australia