[bookshare-discuss] Re: Bookshare's Perspective On Its Lists

  • From: "A. J. Nolte" <a.j.nolte@xxxxxxxxx>
  • To: <bookshare-discuss@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
  • Date: Tue, 27 Jan 2009 14:59:25 -0500

What's the bookshare perspective, if there is one, on off-topic stuff?
----- Original Message ----- From: "Pavi Mehta" <pavim@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <bookshare-discuss@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Cc: <bksvol-discuss@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2009 2:29 PM
Subject: [bookshare-discuss] Bookshare's Perspective On Its Lists


Hi All,

The subject of the need for a moderator on the Bookshare lists has come up at various points in the past, and again this last week. After discussion with staff, I'd like to share our perspective on the matter and a system for moving forward.

In our view, what the list needs is not an eagle-eyed moderator combing through every line of every post, but simply defined objectives for the list, a clear set of guidelines for list users, and a system to report and address violation of those guidelines when necessary.

List Objectives: Bookshare's primary objective in running these lists is to provide members and volunteers with a common platform to exchange ideas, questions and answers primarily relating to their work and experiences with Bookshare. In our view the lists are useful in as much as they facilitate sharing, foster cooperation and good-will, and promote lively, amicable discussion among its member and volunteer communities.

Guidelines for List Users: When engaging in a debate or choosing to disagree with another member or volunteer, please be mindful of people's feelings. All posts whether on or off topic are expected to maintain the spirit of friendly cooperation, courtesy and mutual respect. Those folks unable or unwilling to follow these guidelines will be required by Bookshare to leave the list.

Reporting an Issue: If a person on the list feels that another list user is abusing this platform with posts of an unduly negative and/or offensive nature we ask that they write in their complaint off-list to volunteer@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx I or another administrator will review the complaint and if deemed appropriate will write to the individual in question with an initial warning. If posts of the same nature persist they will be required to leave the list. We have not taken this sort of action in the past, but are happy to do so here on for the well-being of the lists.

My own exposure to the list has led me to a real appreciation of how much each one of you has to share. Collectively you have taken this platform and helped create a unique and deep-rooted sense of community among Bookshare's members and volunteers. We hope the objectives and guidelines put forward in this mail will help put a stop to posts that have a detrimental effect on that sense of community. Please feel free to contact me if you have questions about any of the above.

Warm regards,

Pavi Mehta

Volunteer Coordinator, Bookshare

Benetech

480 S. California Ave., Suite 201

Palo Alto, CA 94306-1609 USA

Phone:  +1 650 644-3459



pavim@xxxxxxxxxxxx

www.benetech.org



The Benetech Initiative - Technology Serving Humanity


To unsubscribe from this list, send a blank Email to bookshare-discuss-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
 Put the word 'unsubscribe' by itself in the Subject line.  To get a list of 
available commands, put the word 'help' by itself in the subject line.

Other related posts: