[Manycouches] ways to slow list traffic down --- Re: [Add] Slowing the list traffic down a bit: listening more and saying less

[Michael Richardson <[e-mail]>]

Back in March, we discussed ways in which to focus people for
virtual meetings.  One of those ways was to change the pace of
list traffic.  I'm not sure if anyone wrote up the requirements clearly.

Barry is going to attempt to do this manually, and I think it would be
useful to figure how this might be work out.


Barry Leiba <[e-mail]> wrote:
    > Hi, all.

    > As we all know, the ADD mailing list is a very high-volume one, both
    > in the sense of quantity and in the sense of “loudness”.  It’s clear
    > that a lot of the discussion is productive and important to have.
    > It’s also clear that a lot of it isn’t as productive, and doesn’t
    > contribute to moving the conversation forward.  We’re often talking
    > without also listening.

    > I think it’s important that we slow things down a bit listen to each
    > other, and think more about what we’re saying — and whether what we’re
    > about to say adds value, or just repeats points that were already
    > made.  So here’s what I’m going to do:

    > As soon as I send this, I’m going to put the ADD list in moderation.
    > That means that no posts will go directly to the list.  Instead,
    > they’ll come to the list moderators first, and we’ll have to release
    > them for posting. For now, that’s me: I’m taking responsibility for
    > this.  (A side note: the BoF chairs, Dave and Lars, did a great job
    > chairing the BoF, and I thank them very much for that.  But they did
    > not sign up for managing/moderating the mailing list, and I’m not
    > asking them to.)

    > I will not be releasing posts in real time.  A few times a day, I’ll
    > have a look at the queue and browse the messages.  Those that are
    > aimed at moving the conversation forward will be released to the list
    > and posted as usual, albeit with some delay.  Those that are not may
    > be rejected.  For some, where it seems there’s value but in my
    > judgment the tone is snarky or insulting, or may otherwise raise
    > hackles unnecessarily, I might contact the poster and ask that person
    > to think about the wording and consider re-posting.

    > I’m hoping that this will keep an important discussion moving, and
    > will increase the useful content.  Note that I’m not calling anyone
    > inparticular out here.  I’m looking to address the overall usefulness
    > and professionality of the discussion on the list.  Note also that I’m
    > not going to be perfect in my assessment of things.  Please, if I
    > contact you (or, as might happen, reject your post) and you think I’m
    > being over-sensitive or just plain wrong… bear with me.  Understand
    > that I’m doing this in good faith, and try not to be upset, but to
    > work with me on making this discussion what it needs to be.

    > Also remember that I’m in the U.S. Eastern time zone (New York), and
    > that I do sleep.  Posts from Europe won’t be handled until
    > mid-afternoon your time, and those from Asia not until late evening
    > and the middle of the night.  Perhaps one of my AD-colleagues from
    > Europe will be willing to join me in moderating these posts.  For now,
    > it’s going to be just me, and time zones are that they are.

    > Thanks, everyone, for your participation… and, in advance, for your
    > understanding.

    > Barry, ART AD

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--
Michael Richardson <[e-mail]>, Sandelman Software Works
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