Hi folks,
This past weekend, two people wrote me off-list to say they're planning to unsubscribe because they don't like the fightiness we've seen over the past week here. And a number of people have commented off-list and on, about how this list is normally more constructive than foundation-l. I have the impression that people appreciate the constructive tone, and would like to retain it.
So I wanted to say a couple of things about that.
One, this isn't my list, and I'm not going to moderate it. I did ask for this list to be created, and I've been really happy to see good, useful conversation here. But I created it for you, and it's up to you what kind of standards you want to have here.
Second: typically, the Wikimedia community is pretty hands-off when it comes to behavioural standards on its lists. Personally I think that's a mistake. We've seen how it's played out on for example foundation-l: over time, destructive behaviour, if unmoderated, tends to drive out constructive discussion. Maintaining a productive, collegial environment takes time and effort: people need to want it, and they need to be committed to achieving it.
A couple of months ago, I asked Sarah Stierch to help me administer this list. AFAIK, she's the only other list owner, at the moment. So I am going to leave this question in her hands, and in the hands of subscribers here. It's up to you, what kind of space you want this to be. I'd encourage you to talk about it :-)
Thanks, Sue