From: OpenCafe-l <[log in to unmask]> on behalf of Rick Anderson <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at 9:33 AM
To: [log in to unmask] <[log in to unmask]>
Subject: [OPENCAFE-L] From yr. Listowner: A quick note about list conduct

Open Café friends,

As explained in the information you received when you subscribed, we do not have a code of conduct, because I don’t believe one is necessary. I still believe that; however, I do want to let you know that in my role as the listowner, I’m going to start being a bit more vigilant about monitoring posts for contributions that pass the borders of rigorous but respectful discussion and venture into the realm of personal attack and/or gratuitous rudeness.

As we engage in debate, I ask that all of us take care to address people’s arguments rather than casting aspersion on their intelligence, their motivations, or their character, and to frame our arguments in ways that invite, rather than discourage or punish, respectful engagement. I’ll tolerate a certain amount of rudeness and personal attack if it’s directed at me; however, I will tolerate much less of it when it’s directed at other listmembers.

I realize that there’s a fair amount of subjectivity in judging on-list discourse, if someone engages in this kind of behavior I will reach out to them off-list and convey my concern. If the behavior continues thereafter, that person will be removed from the list. No one will be taken by surprise or removed without warning. As always, I invite listmembers to contact me directly if they ever feel that someone else’s on-list conduct needs review.

I also realize that as both the listowner and an active list participant, I’m in the somewhat awkward position of being both a player and a referee. In order to try to resolve that awkwardness, I invite anyone who feels that my own on-list communications have passed the boundaries of civil and constructive discourse to call me out – either privately or on-list, as you see fit. Knowing that this can happen will help me resist any temptation to set a bad example of constructive dialogue.

Thanks to all of you for your contributions. I’m really enjoying our ongoing conversation.