OT: Improper Use of Subject Lines

James Wynn · 24 May 2010, 16:47 · from 2010-May.txt.gz

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From: crushtv at gmail.com (James Wynn)
Date: Mon, 24 May 2010 11:47:35 -0500
Subject: (urth) OT: Improper Use of Subject Lines
In-Reply-To: <4BFAABD4.80207 at io.com>
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	<4BFAABD4.80207 at io.com>
Message-ID: <4BFAADA7.7090309 at gmail.com>

On 5/24/2010 11:39 AM, Jeff Wilson wrote:
> On 5/24/2010 10:15 AM, James Wynn wrote:
>> But then we have to endure threads on the rules of good subject lines. I
>> think it is better to keep the list in line by modeling good behavior
>> rather having self-appointed cops.
>
> Ranjit-appointed cops would be ideal, avoiding numerous of the 
> pathologies you mention.
>
I suppose it *might* be ideal. But ideal solutions, by definition, are 
usually impractical. You have cops, but then you have to have judges 
when someone says the cop reacted improperly. Unless you have Judge 
Dread for your cop I don't want to go there. I think Josh had the best 
solution:

If you want a thread to die, ignore it. Eventually, it will. They always 
do. These feral thread usually crank up when there is not a lot of 
interesting conversation on the list. So, there's really little harm in 
ignoring them.

In the meantime, I'll continue to use "OT" to designate off-topic 
conversations. Even though it is only blowing against the wind, at least 
it's not pissing against the wind.

J.

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