Date:         Fri, 14 Dec 2001 11:01:03 -0600
Reply-To:     Chris Stann <ChrisS@INFORMS.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Chris Stann <ChrisS@INFORMS.COM>
Subject:      Re: filtering out off-color jokes, rants, etc - sort of long
Comments: To: Peter Johnson <johnson@SAW.NET>
In-Reply-To:  <000e01c184bb$80dd6bb0$030c0c0c@johnson>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

<BIG SNIP>
>> posting with words like "off-color" or "ethnic" or "sexist" and users who
don't want to receive such material use those words as filtering criteria,
we would end up with less anger and resentment and more harmony on this
awesome list. <<


I don't mean to point out the obvious.. but isn't much easier to forego
potentially offensive material?  I feel that "Ethnic" or "Sexist" jokes do
not belong here, Friday or not.  It seems to me that the people who do the
offending should exercise more caution, not the innocent victims of runaway
"humor".  After all, those who wish to receive such postings voluntarily may
join one of the thousands of other mailing lists out there.

Once we allow such titles in our posts, it won't be long before we see
"racist" or "anti-religious" or "anti-atheist" for that matter.  Do you
realize how damaging this could be to this "awesome" list?  This list is a
wonderful place to be, but it's not because of the borderline jokes we see
here.  It is so wonderful because of the helpful people who are willing to
share their knowledge in a socially responsible atmosphere.

As a public we are expected to exercise some degree of self-control and
self-censorship.  Once this is removed this list will become just another
member of the cyber-smut society.  I am sure many more listees feel the same
way.

If your suggested measures are implemented and tolerated, I will personally
lobby the list admin for an overturn.

Chris Stann.
'85 Westy.