Jim, I disagree. First, any issues some
paleontologists find interesting or important and that deal somehow with
paleo issues are just fine. If you don't want to participate,
delete them. Second, a lot of stuff on PaleoNet is of
interest to a limited number of subscribers, but that does not mean it is
not important to them. Delete the ones you don't like.
Third, we need an open forum like this without restriction.
delete. Fourth, I do a lot of PaleoNet deleting
and personally, I'd rather discuss politics, education, evolution and the
role of religion in paleo than musk oxen, pliosaurids, or my favorite
fossil. I delete those. Deleting is part of being
a subscriber to such a list. If you want musk oxen back in
the discussion, post something. I'll delete probably, but
others will be fascinated. I can tolerate that because sooner
or later, something comes along that is important to me.
Every post in the religion/politics/evolution thread has been useful to
me in my teaching and dealing with students on these issues, if for no
other reason than to get a personal view from someone else. In my
opinion, the only way to satisfy your desire is to post a list of
acceptable topics. Diversity is good and tolerance is good for
PaleoNet. It's reputation will be just fine and it's usefulness is
enhanced. Maybe not for everyone with every post, but that's the
price of admission. Let it ride, it will die soon, as
will musk oxen, forams, or whatever. Extinction is normal in
paleontology. Jere
At 07:19 AM 11/23/2004, you wrote:
Folks,
I have always appreciated the fact that paleonet is one of the best lists
for staying on topic, but lately folks have seen to have lost some of
their hesitation in posting off topic.
We probably do need to occasionally vent feelings about religious groups
that seem to be attacking the science we love (and have some other
including myself - giving a bit of the other side). But to continue
this too long will ruin the usefulness of the reputation of a list that
usually keeps on topic.
I think we have said enough on US politics and the religious right.
Lets talk about musk oxen, pliosaurids [or what ever fossils others are
working on] and get a bit more on topic. We don't want to be like
other lists that forbid talking about Creationists [of the flood model
variety]. Let just say that, in my opinion, we have enough range of
strong opinions so lets get back to fossils.
Remember replies to posts to paleonet go back to the list and we don't
need a flurry of replies to me going back on the list.
James Mahaffy
(mahaffy@dordt.edu)
Phone: 712 722-6279
498 4th Ave NE
Biology
Department
FAX : 712 722-1198
Dordt College, Sioux Center IA 51250-1697