cash at uri.csmil.umich.edu (Howard Cash) writes:
:: > Thanks for the above. I have two questions though. 1) Are
: > you willing to serve as discussion leader to get the newsgroup going,
: > i.e., post frequently enough that usage doesn't drop to zero?
:: I find this interesting and I'm not sure I've ever heard a complete
: answer. What is the origin of the perception that the biosci bboards
: are in particular need of moderators? From an organizational standpoint,
: this seems more important for groups like rec.humor.funny (a bboard of
: jokes) where someone ultimately decides if a joke is WORTH telling and/or
: if it has already been beaten to death. Since we are not trying to
: restrict discussion, why is a moderator so vital.
Howard,
Dave was asking me if I was willing to stimulate the discussion about
plant related topics (ie. act as a catalyst) rather than 'moderate' the
discussion.
I think moderated groups _are_ important where information or sources
of programs are being distributed but I think it is inappropriate for
an informal discussion to be moderated.
I think peer pressure should be adequate to control a discussion that
the majority of participants want to terminate.
Tony
--
Tony Travis <ajt at uk.ac.sari.rri> | Dr. A.J.Travis
| Rowett Research Institute,
| Greenburn Road, Bucksburn, Aberdeen,
| AB2 9SB. UK. tel 0224-712751
