Private - Re: paleonet PaleoNet diversity is good.

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Jere this is private.

Come now. I learned from these post too [never realized your background] but as manager of several lists and active on others, I was only suggesting that getting off topic too often [whatever that is] can kill a good list. You notice I did not suggest that we ban this sort of post, but just that letting them go on too long could affect the reputation of the list. You have another opinion, which you posted to the list, which is fine. It was and is my opinion that continuing the same type of post without expanding or bringing up new material would turn people off. Am I sensitive sure - but all I was suggesting as member of the list is to move on. Trying to hasten the extinction of this thread so to speak. I would not like to move on to the effectiveness of Moslem or Christian evangelism just because it was brought up. Could I contribute -sure - but there I would clearly be seen as off topic.

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

>>> jlipps@berkeley.edu 11/23/2004 11:23:56 AM >>>

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