[WikiEN-l] Do NOT appeal bans, for your own sake (was Re: Admins who do not have email this user enabled (list inside))

[Armed Blowfish]

Studies have shown that off-topic communication
can make online communication more informal
and less threatening.  Basically, it can help people
remember that the other people are humans, not
list-bots.

Also, this entire thread of conversation about what
should be talked about on the list is off-topic with
regards to the topic of whether or not it is in a
banned user's best interest to attempt to appeal a
ban.  Not that I really mind, just pointing out the
irony....

Alternatively, one could say that nothing is off-topic,
since everything is related to everything.

Prohibiting off-topic communication is also
discriminatory against the average woman.  Men, as
a tendency, are often more to-the-point than women.
Indirectness may be considered off-topic by some.
(It is also known to annoy some men... sorry. ;_;)
Women also tend to express their feelings more,
which may also be considered off-topic by some,
which in turn may be viewed by the woman as
insensitive and perhaps emotionally abusive, making
her feel unloved.  Hence, prohibiting off-topic
communication may further the male-dominated aura
of the list.  Not that there's anything wrong with being
a man, or breaking stereotypes (I really like women
who break stereo-types), but a woman should be
allowed to be feminine!  Men should be allowed to be
feminine too... in fact, I would be much happier if more
men would be emotional with me.

Historical discussion may also be considered off-
topic by some.  But do not forget George Santayana's
warning, 'Those who do not remember history are
doomed to repeat it.'  Of course, there is also Charles
Sheffield's corollary, 'Those who remember the past
too well will never do anything new.'