> 1. Do you use no-post status as a disciplinary tool for subscribers?
Yes, along with warnings by private e-mail and the occasional public
censure.
> 2. If so, what offenses result in no-post status?
Off-topic posts, excessive flaming, violations of copyright, etc. For a
full list of the guidelines write to unlfaq@tssi.com. (You will also get
the FAQ.) Spamming the list with commercial junk will generally get a
subscriber kicked off permanently, though since I went to a four day
waiting period I think I've only been spammed once.
> 3. Do you take the no-post initiative yourself or wait for complaints
> from other subscribers (either on or off list)?
It's my list, I enforce the rules I set. I will on occasion take a comment
from a subscriber under advisement as to whether to take some action in the
future, but I usually have taken action before complaints arrive.
> 4. Do you inform the subscribers when someone is no-posted and why?
Usually not, I consider that a matter between myself and the person who
violated my rules. (That person is, of course, notified.) The most common
exception is when someone does something likely to incite others or produce
a lot of complaints I may notify subscribers that the offender has been
sanctioned.
> 5. How does a no-posted subscriber get back into post status?
I have a four day waiting period for new subscribers (by rolling over the
subscriber list to the authorized address list through three intermediate
hold files), so I just take someone out of the live authorized list and
the three intermediate holding files, and their posting privileges are
automatically reinstated in four days. Most people wise up, a few who
don't want to play by MY rules go away, not necessarily quietly. (I've
been called a Nazi and a dictator more than once.)
> And, of course, why do you do it the way you do it, and how is your way
> working for your list? (I suppose it might help in comparing responses
> to know what type of list you operate.)
I'm running two sports oriented lists, one for the University of Nebraska,
with over 1000 subscribers, and one for Northwestern University with around
250 subscribers. I run a 'friendly' list, which means I don't permit
protracted/unproductive arguments, namecalling, flamebaiting, foul or
abusive language, etc. I also prefer discussion based on some kind of
reasoning rather than blind faith. (I do NOT consider these 'fan' lists,
since 'fan' is an abridgement of 'fanatic'.) I believe it is possible
to have a difference of opinion without getting mad at each other, and
civil language is more likely to sway opinion than foul language. With
over 50 messages a day I don't have time for true 'moderation', so I
use a combination of peer pressure and the occasional sanction to maintain
order. (I call it 'moderation by intimidation', with the threat being
that of temporary or permanent sanctions.)
--
Mike Nolan
nolan@tssi.com
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