For our list (ballroom, unmoderated), we haven't really had a problem with any disparities between the level of commercialism that people consider appropriate and the postings. But if I had to make a set of guidelines on the subject (which I think would be consistent with the feelings of most of the membership), here's what they would look like: A. OK ----- 1. Announcements of dance events and the like (even if the event may generate revenue) by non-commercial/non-profit entities (typically, this consists of university Ballroom clubs). 2. Commercial information passed along by a list member who is not related (by blood, friendship, etc.) to the profit-maker. Presumably, this is done with the interests of the list members at heart, and a recommendation from someone else who has used the services in question is often useful. This also serves as a defence against someone who argues for direct commercial postings: "But is really *is* for the benefit of the whole community, and so what if it happens to profit me?" If it really is so wonderful, someone else in the community will surely find out about it through other means and be compelled to spread the word via the list (which would be fine). B. NOT OK --------- 1. Advertising by "obviously" commercial entities. 2. Blatantly hyped-up direct-marketing style advertising. (Even for non-profit entities, hyperbole-filled advertising is annoying.) 3. Any advertising whatsoever that is unrelated to the purpose of the list (this covers almost all "spams," of course, but sometimes one sees some well-intentioned but mis-directed mail too). C. TOLERATED ------------ [This would not be an official category, since that would be asking for abuse, but more a gray area on whether a "complaint" would be warranted. If an article fit into this category, I would not expect it to generate complaints from list members (including myself).] 1. Informative postings from someone who may have a commercial stake, but where there is a clear intent to inform and serve the list members, rather than simply taking advantage of the forum. Shahrukh Merchant [log in to unmask] P.S. I didn't want to create more noise by sending a separate posting on the "Where is Everybody?" subject, but I'll piggy-back this PS: I, too, cherish the "moments of silence" on lists, especially fairly active lists like this one. There is absolutely nothing wrong, IMHO, with a period of inactivity. Forcing the creation of a discussion topic just to have something to talk about ends up creating more noise than anything else.