Character of the postings to this list
Posted: Wed Apr 10, 1996 4:50 pm
I am becoming increasing uncomfortable with the character of the
positings to this list. In brief: postings have become too informal and
conversational. I liked the list better when there was less traffic a
higher density of messages that seemed crucial to read.
We should realize that the amount of time we have to spend on our e-mail
is limited and that each of us will find ways to budget that time (a
layered bunch of negative feedback loops striving to balance time spent
with time available). I susepct that many are beginning to exert control
over a burgeoning flow of messages to this list by reading selectively --
deleting some messages without reading them, and reading others, perhaps
randomly but perhaps also beginning to select the authors they want to
attend to. We might all agree that is undesriable, but I have to tell
you Im beginning to do that, and so are my students.
We who submit messages to the list can exert some personal control that
would tend to minimize such undesirable but increasingly necessary
behavior. I suggest we consider the following personal guidelines for
submissions to the list:
1) Submissions should give evidence of considerable reflection on the
topic at hand -- they should look like a fair amount of time was spent
contemplating the topic(s) and composing the thoughts sent out for all of
us to think about.
2) As often and as much as possible, submissions should refer to
published literature in our field or other fields relevent to the topic.
We cant rely on the relatively short postings to this listserve to
provide the deep understandings that have been accumulating over the last
forty years of system dynamics experience. We need to point out the body
of work that is building, and we need to talk in this list in such a way
that we contribute to its maintenance and extension.
3) Submissions that are in the character of "I agree with ..." should be
avoided unless they push forward the discussion.
4) Submissions that are really directed toward one person should not be
posted to the whole list.
5) News submissions, like syllabi or assignments or references to
literature available on the web and the like, should be encouraged.
There are probably some further guidelines that would help, but (after
some reflection) Ive been unable to come up with more and would
encourage the suggestions of others addressing the problem I am
perceiving.
I realize these suggestions oppose the sentiments expressed earlier about
the low frequency of traffic on the list. Theres a potential oscillation
here, and Im afraid the pendulum has swung too far in the direction of
unbridled, informal conversation. Lets drag it back a bit toward fewer
messages with a higher density, news, scholarship, and deep thoughts.
...GPR
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
George P. Richardson G.P.Richardson@Albany.edu
Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy Phone: 518-442-3859
University at Albany - SUNY, Albany, NY 12222 Fax: 518-442-3398
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
positings to this list. In brief: postings have become too informal and
conversational. I liked the list better when there was less traffic a
higher density of messages that seemed crucial to read.
We should realize that the amount of time we have to spend on our e-mail
is limited and that each of us will find ways to budget that time (a
layered bunch of negative feedback loops striving to balance time spent
with time available). I susepct that many are beginning to exert control
over a burgeoning flow of messages to this list by reading selectively --
deleting some messages without reading them, and reading others, perhaps
randomly but perhaps also beginning to select the authors they want to
attend to. We might all agree that is undesriable, but I have to tell
you Im beginning to do that, and so are my students.
We who submit messages to the list can exert some personal control that
would tend to minimize such undesirable but increasingly necessary
behavior. I suggest we consider the following personal guidelines for
submissions to the list:
1) Submissions should give evidence of considerable reflection on the
topic at hand -- they should look like a fair amount of time was spent
contemplating the topic(s) and composing the thoughts sent out for all of
us to think about.
2) As often and as much as possible, submissions should refer to
published literature in our field or other fields relevent to the topic.
We cant rely on the relatively short postings to this listserve to
provide the deep understandings that have been accumulating over the last
forty years of system dynamics experience. We need to point out the body
of work that is building, and we need to talk in this list in such a way
that we contribute to its maintenance and extension.
3) Submissions that are in the character of "I agree with ..." should be
avoided unless they push forward the discussion.
4) Submissions that are really directed toward one person should not be
posted to the whole list.
5) News submissions, like syllabi or assignments or references to
literature available on the web and the like, should be encouraged.
There are probably some further guidelines that would help, but (after
some reflection) Ive been unable to come up with more and would
encourage the suggestions of others addressing the problem I am
perceiving.
I realize these suggestions oppose the sentiments expressed earlier about
the low frequency of traffic on the list. Theres a potential oscillation
here, and Im afraid the pendulum has swung too far in the direction of
unbridled, informal conversation. Lets drag it back a bit toward fewer
messages with a higher density, news, scholarship, and deep thoughts.
...GPR
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
George P. Richardson G.P.Richardson@Albany.edu
Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy Phone: 518-442-3859
University at Albany - SUNY, Albany, NY 12222 Fax: 518-442-3398
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------