I'm sure we can all agree that no group can be all things to all
members all the time. This is especially for mailing list type groups
devoted to specific areas. I belong and even own writing related
groups and many times there are topics and discussions I have no
interest in at that particular time so I pass over or ignore those
subjects.
I would never think to tell the interested parties that "no one else
cares" or is "disgusted" by the off topic chatter and that they should
stop it because I don't like it. And yet that is what happened behind
the scenes here recently. "Many" anonymous members apparently too
timid to speak up allegedly contacted one member to be their
spokesperson and present their concerns---they wanted non Shinsengumi
specific discussion to stop.
This led to self imposed silence from some of our more active members
which was certainly not fair to them or to those of you who were
interested in some of the topics presented.
When one member came out of their reluctant lurkdom to participate
again they felt they were demeaned in a subsequent post, replied and
then were publicly belittled in return. As a result as list owner I
asked both parties to please cease and desist, one member apologized
on list and the other. sent me a long scathing private email. As a
result I removed them as moderator and set their posts to be screened.
An attempt was made to spout all sort of false claims and accusations
publicly. I will not approve that post for public viewing as it
serves no purpose other than to wreck havoc and destroy friendships. I
advise any of you who may be contacted off list with angry claims to
take it all with a grain of salt.
This list was and always will be a meeting place for Shinsengumi FANS.
We are all fans even if our tastes begin to lead us in other related
directions. ALL Bakumatsu/Meiji/Shinsengumi topics are WELCOMED HERE. ALL MEMBERS are welcomed here.
Granted, all discussions will not be to everyone's liking but NO ONE
will be asked or expected to stop posting because everyone is not 100%
interested in that particular subject at that particular time.
If you don't like a topic then skip over or delete. I do.
Now let's get back to SHARING fun and info!
Barbara Sheridan
(your benevolent dictator" ^_^)
bsher212@...