On Thu, 29 Jun 1995, Maureen Leblanc wrote:
 
> Dear Folks,
>
> Hope someone here can help me.
>
> I began filtering this person quite a while back after he called
> for the posting of uuencoded binary files to the newsgroup that
> I gate, rec.music.dylan., then publicly killfiled me when I
> told him publicly that this was inconsiderate of those who
> subscribe to HWY61-L. I am filtering him because I consider his
> insistence that *uuencoded binaries are just fine and "digest
> people" will have to live with it* to be a threat. The public
> killfiling was unpleasant, but merely the icing on the cake.
>
> I've been receiving mail from people who are apparently
> his friends, accusing me of censorship etc etc. Most of those
 
  I have a problem with this.  Just a different perspective perhaps
and I could be wrong....but..!!!
 
  I don't care if you are the list-owner of a LISTSERV list or the
moderator of a USENET group... there have been a number of posts recently
about the behavior on lists and how to handle them.  I have the same
problems here though I am not a listowner....listowner's go on vacation
and if a list emerges into chaos, I play list-owner.  Maybe I am too
'abrasive' and 'short of patience' to encounter replies of "I will take you
to court, etc.."  but I would hope that whatever decision you make you have
the the support of your institution.....if you are not sure if you do, then
check it out with your immediate supervisor.  Never give up control of your
list if you receive threats of court action or just harassing mail..better
to keep it and prepare a package to send to the Director of the offending
site.  As list-owner or Usenet moderator you have rights....make the
purpose of the list or group clear....then filter  in your own judgement
without fear of reprisal if the need arises.  Remember that the list or
group are residing on your machine (or on a remote machine that trusts
you to manage it) and your word is the last say.  You may find controversy
and complainers..but it is your list...never lose sight of that fact....or
give up in a post your rights as list-owner/moderator.  So what if some
complain...you will never please everyone all of time....put your list first
and make explicit what is and what is not appropriate.
 
My thoughts..for whatever they are worth...
 
--Trish