Theos-Talk Archives (February 1998 Message tt00333)

Someone recently subscribed to THEOSOPHY WORLD/theos-talk, then a
couple of days later unsubscribed. I wrote him and asked if he'd
write a paragraph about what he found wrong/missing with the
current discussion on the list, to write something if he had
something helpful for people to read, and I'd post it anonymously.

He said:

> I find the email is cluttered with absurdities from people I find
> to be idiots. Perhaps if you filtered out these nonsense letters
> it would be more worthy to look at.
>
> These letters for the most part reflect mass ignorance about
> theosophy and I find them annoying. Obviously from visitors to
> your web site who have never read THE SECRET DOCTRINE or have
> little experience with metaphysical or occult teachings. I can't
> afford the time to delete unwanted email. I have better things
> to do. Time is precious -- we don't live that long!

It's something to keep in mind as we post to the list. We can be
judged based upon a few days of postings. How much of what we
write would be considered "noise" and subject to a quick <DELETE>,
as compared to something worth setting aside, printing, and
carefully read? How much of our writings are helpful to someone
interested in and wanting to study Theosophy?

There's no easy answer, and I'm not sure we could make a general
rule, but perhaps 3/4 of the people that drop theos-talk still
want the monthly, indicating that there's something about the
mailing list that doesn't meet their needs. Maybe there's
nothing we can do, perhaps it's just that the nature of mailing
lists doesn't lend itself to their needs? What do others think?

-- Eldon