[WEB4LIB] constructive criticism on this list?

[Roy Tennant]

This is a discussion list. That means discussion, which I take pains to 
point out includes disagreement, is very much a valid part of this list. 
If someone is afraid to post because they are afraid someone on the list 
will publicly disagree with them, well, there's not much we can do about 
that.  If, however, they are afraid to post because they will be the 
target of personal attacks, then we've got problems that the Web4Lib 
Advisory Board would be happy to address.

Frankly, I think we're being over-sensitive. I've seen flame wars, and 
what has happened over the last few days is but a pale shadow of one. We 
should be free to debate strongly held beliefs and not be limited to 
uncontroversial topics because someone's feelings may get hurt. We are 
not a family gathering where discussion of politics and religion is 
avoided in the interest of domestic tranquility. We are a group of 
professionals who at times honestly disagree, and if we can't use this 
forum to debate these topics then we will have nowhere to do so.

All I ask is that in the process you adhere to the list policy (see 
http://sunsite.berkeley.edu/Web4Lib/#Policy) which has been 
painstakingly constructed over time in response to real issues that have 
arisen on this list. One other thing. A few debates (some of you will 
recall previous discussions of filtering) seem to go on forever. If a 
thread degenerates to a few people firing strongly-worded disagreements 
back and forth repeatedly, let it go. Agree to disagree.

Having said that, I say bring it on. For myself, if a criticism really 
hurts that means it either comes from someone whom I respect, or it's 
right.
Roy

On Wednesday, August 7, 2002, at 06:13 AM, Drew, Bill wrote:

> After all of the negative comments the last few days, I am worried 
> about the
> health of this list.  I have received several off list messages from
> relative new comers here.  Most said they would be very reluctant to 
> ask for
> any comments on their web pages because of the feedback I was getting 
> over
> my use of Flash.  The common thread running through them was one of
> wondering why so many saw this as a black or white issue without any 
> shades
> of gray.  Several also commented that my page can be used by those with
> javascripts turned off as well as those not installing and plugins.
>
> I found much of the discussion to be of value even when I did not agree 
> with
> it.  I did get my question answered.  I am also looking for 
> alternatives to
> the javascript used to make the page display full screen.
>
>
> Bill Drew
>
>