--- On Mon, 18/10/10, Virgilio A. P. Machado vam@fct.unl.pt wrote:

I strongly disagree with both decisions.

Sincerely,

Virgilio A. P. Machado (Vapmachado)

While I appreciate the situation the moderators are in, I'm afraid I disagree too -- in particular in Peter's case, whose contributions generally seem intelligent and constructive.

Greg's contributions may be provocative, but a culture that is able to tolerate provocation and dissent without losing its composure is healthier than one that cannot. That includes being able to deal with the occasional searching question from someone like Greg.

I realise the moderators' aim is to prevent disruption. And I am aware that back-and-forth discussions about putting a member in an online discussion group on moderation are one of the most tedious and unproductive types of discussions to have. It's something that can make moderating an online discussion group a truly invidious task, making the most well-meaning moderator feel their job is not appreciated.

That is not so.

But I feel compelled to point out that falling prey to groupthink* is often a more hazardous fate for a group than suffering disruption.

Andreas

* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Groupthink

At 01:05 18-10-2010, you wrote:

...

Hi guys,

After extensive discussion among the list

administrators, we've

...

enacted, for the first time, a permanent ban of a

mailing list member.

...

Greg Kohs is no longer welcome to participate on

Foundation-l.

...

Peter Damian has also been moderated once again, and

will remain on

...

moderation for the indefinite future.

Austin

---

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