Theos-Talk Archives (November 1997 Message tt00054)

In a message dated 11/2/97 7:23:34 AM, Bjorn wrote:

<<The nature of these lists is that the list members freely express
themselves when they feel they have something to contribute (which may
or may not be appreciated by other list members). You will have to learn
to live with it, or sign off.
>>

Besides the fact that this is an unusually insensitive letter coming from an
alleged Theosophist, I was surprised by the total refusal to assume personal
responsibility for one's actions and their effect on others. What could be
more Theosophical than assuming responsibility for others' discomfort?

My suggestion to limit ourselves to one message a day is not an attempt at
censorship. Why not write ALL THAT YOU FEEL IS WORTH SAYING -- just write it
in ONE message and send it. Subdivide headings if you have to. That way, if
someone wants to delete the message, they can do so and not repeat the action
20 times.

If, however, as you so kindly suggest, folks have no intention of changing
their ways, then bye-bye.

Rich
****************
Dear Mark,

You wrote,

"While I'm guessing there are at least 50 subscribers to this list, half

the messages are from less than 5 people.- "Lurkers" don't send in

submissions partially because they know they'll likely be pounced on by the

few "regulars" who seems to think it is his/their responsibility to

personally respond to nearly each entry. (Dallas, for one) This is a type

of intimidation. ISN'T THIS A WAY TO 'TAKE OVER' A SITE - possibly for

one's own personal reasons, or from just being out of control/compusive?"

I heartily agree. Those who feel that they have assumed "responsibility" to
respond to each and every assertion, each and every point of doctrine or
personal opinion, are actually experiencing a great dose of EGO and are
probably too blinded by their own sense of "mission" to realize how others are
perceiving and feeling this quite real intimidation. Beyond the useless
chit-chat between members, the long tendentious replies are better sent as
posts to the actual magazine THEOSOPHY WORLD which, as Brenda rightly points
out, serves as the basis for the list itself. If you have long doctrinal
points to argue, make them into articles and submit to Eldon, who I'm sure
will gladly include them in the monthly 'zine. If you aren't willing to do
this, I propose your message is not so essential...

As I have done with this message, reply SELETIVELY to posts and paste your
whole response into ONE message; it takes relatively little effort. If some
find this effort too great, again, I suggest their "important message(s) for
the world" may not be so important after all. With one or at most two
messages a day, each will be forced to think out his or her writings and
organize them into more compact and more useful editions. This will save
human headaches and bandwidth besides.

Regards,

Rich