Moderation 101

2003-3-18 03:11:00

My Friends,

Since we are on the subject of moderation, I thought I would comment on several posts I just approved that normally would be rejected.

Since things are a little slow on the list I thought I would approve them and comment.

Two posts we would normally reject are from Anna, bartula12h... and are titled: Day before war & Day before war- continue

First, these two posts are quite off topic so they should have OT in the subject area.

Secondly, they are not in Anna's own words but are cut and pasted from some web site.

Thirdly, one of them is quite long.

Zoophorous also made a borderline post of being too far off topic, but at least it was in his own words. If your post is borderline and it is in your own words we will usually let it through.

Let me reemphasize that the political situation is not on topic and from this point on, if you write from the viewpoint of some agenda or seem to have an ax to grind, or some conspiracy to present you may be rejected without explanation.

The two political posts that I did comment on, slipped through the moderation process and were not intended to change the topic.

Unless, I as the leading teacher, make some specific political subject the topic then general political bashing is off topic.

When we do discuss politics it should be from a metaphysical/philosophical point of view. For instance, we discussed whether or not Bush is an initiate. On the other hand, this type of discussion does not invite members to cut and paste every hateful anti-Bush, anti government piece floating around the internet. These are readily available to all who seek them.

If I bring up political comments then please restrict yourself to the ideas brought up and please use your own words.

We want to avoid a free-for-all political discussion that can cause some members who signed on for teachings to withdraw.

On the other hand, if you have an interesting new piece of information that isn't already on half the lists out there go ahead and post it. If we think it fits in it may pass. If you do make a political post please try and keep it short, in your own words and to the point. If it is not on topic please put OT in the subject line.