Dear Jim;
 
I don't have as much experience as some of the people on this list, but I have
some.  This is my opinion only;  others may, and probably do, disagree.  Hope
they respond to you also...
 
I think that the listowner really sets the tone of the list, and I think
this is how it should be.There is *NO* need for you to put up with things
that you are unwilling to have on your list.
 
I certainly don't.  Here is a sample paragraph from the charter of
one of my lists:
 
>Because Spanie-L is dedicated to the well-being of flushing spaniels, it
>is sometimes appropriate to set aside individual differences or disputes
>between and amongst humans in order to promote the best interests of our
>canine companions.  Respectful disagreement and differences of opinion
>regarding spaniels and their well-being are fine. Hurtful remarks aimed
>at particular individuals are not.
 
I have used this to *threaten* to remove people who were being obnoxious
a couple of times, but I don't think I have actually involuntarily kicked
anyone off the list, which is now in its 3rd year.
 
Here is another paragraph from the same list's "Charter" (which is posted
weekly to the list):
 
     >Any evidence that a listmember is
     >involved in operating a puppy mill,... will cause me to exercise my
     >listowner's prerogative to remove such persons [...] from
     >Spanie-L. If you cannot agree to this guideline, you can always start
     >your own list, but do not join this one.
 
I truly mean that too.  If people don't like this rule, they are MORE
than welcome to start another list.  I really don't want them on mine, but
wish them well if they choose to start a new one that meets their needs.
 
My opinion is that since it is YOU who does the work of administering
CHPOEM-L, YOU (not verbal thugs) get to decide who YOU want on the list.  If
some listmembers are making the list intolerable for other listmembers,
YOU get to decide whether you want the bullies to chase everyone else away
or whether you want the bullies to leave.  Either way is fine.  An e-mail
list is not a democracy.  S/he who does the most work, gets to have the most
influence on policy. As listowner, that is probably YOU.  I think that is
how it should be, too, and no apology is needed to anyone for whatever you
decide.
 
Ruth G, Spanie-L Listowner, sounding more hardnosed about these things
                            with each passing day
 
.---- Ruth Ginzberg <[log in to unmask]> -------.
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