[TriLUG] The TriLUG Discussion List

[David A. Cafaro]

On Fri, 2007-06-01 at 07:10 -0400, Matt Frye wrote:
> Many members have complained lately that the discussion list is
> veering way off topic, while other members are simply unsubscribing.
> While we enjoy discussion about topics that are marginally related to
> Linux, they shouldn't be the bulk of posts.    For the time being,
> please use the following guidelines:
> 
> 1) Resist posting open letters.  This is not the place to vent.

I understand this, as it would have a hard time being on topic.

> 2) Job postings must be for Linux (or Linux related) jobs in the
> Triangle.  While we have readers as far away as Australia, this list
> isn't the place for posting random jobs, regardless of the relative
> up-and-comingness of a given area.
> If there is enough interest (indicated by emailng me OFFLIST), we can
> create a trilug-jobs list.

I believe this is a mistake, a big mistake.  As someone already
mentioned, the TriLUG membership charter covers any resident of North
Carolina.  I would also like to point out that the majority of the job
postings for positions outside of the Triangle rarely generate more
traffic than the original post.  If they are Linux and OpenSource
related I believe they should be considered on subject.  But, since I'm
a TriLUGer who moved out of the Triangle area, my voice is small.

I would also say that unless you are getting heavy noise ratio from Job
postings, which I haven't seen, a separate Job list is not all that
affective.  They tend to become forgotten, get the impression that the
audience is to small to be worth the effort, and people who may not be
actually looking for a job but would be willing to go for their dream
job if it showed up miss it.

> 3) Avoid cross posting and take threads offlist when appropriate.
> While I don't advocate dumping threads to other lists where they will
> be equally OT, I don't police those lists.

Fine, again I understand.

> 4) Political, ethical, moral, and religious discussion are right out.

These subjects are always a mess and given the OpenSources movement
often need to butt up against ignorant politicians (remember the we're a
bunch of socialist communists??).  It's a good general rule, but "right
out" is not so "right out" sometimes. 

> 
> Let's try to keep our collective eye on the ball, folks.  The
> alternative is a moderated list, and no one wants that.

Yes a moderated list would be a pain for all.  I agree there are
certainly occasions when the Off Topic  posts go nuts.  I also believe
this reply email of mine is very much On Topic as it discusses TriLUG
policy.  Just wanted to post my take on the subject.  

Thanks you,
David