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

  • From: "siss52" <siss52@xxxxxxxxxxx>
  • To: <bookshare-discuss@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
  • Date: Tue, 27 Jan 2009 16:09:25 -0600

I remember one evening a few years ago.  It was snowing just about 
everywhere, and some of us just had a lovely chat.  It was nice.

Sue S.

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "EVAN REESE" <mentat3@xxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <bookshare-discuss@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2009 4:03 PM
Subject: [bookshare-discuss] Re: Bookshare's Perspective On Its Lists


I like this approach to running the list. I have never felt that the lists
needed moderation and I still don't. I've seen some very large OT threads
every so often, but either they get quashed because of pressure from other
list members - self moderation - or they just fizzle out of their own accord
after a few days. And it is true that OT messages often create and increase
that sense of community that many of us experience here, and which we value
extremely highly.

I'm glad that Bookshare chooses to treat us like adults.

Evan

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Pavi Mehta" <pavim@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <bookshare-discuss@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2009 3:31 PM
Subject: [bookshare-discuss] Re: Bookshare's Perspective On Its Lists


To answer AJ's question --

I've seen several posts on these lists that have precious little to do with
Bookshare directly, but in their own way do a great deal to indirectly
nurture and strengthen the ties of community and good-will among the members
and volunteers (Some of the most moving posts I've read here have been OT!).
Other off-topic posts do not necessarily have that component and
occasionally have the opposite effect. Our perspective is that "All posts
whether on or off topic are expected to maintain the spirit of friendly
cooperation, courtesy and mutual respect." If someone on the list feels that
these guidelines are being violated they can send us a note as detailed in
the earlier mail and Bookshare admin. will look into it. Whether or not the
intention of the person who posts is to antagonize, injure or anger, if his
or her posts elicit these or similiar responses in other list users,
Bookshare will look into the matter and where appropriate require that such
posts/threads be taken off-line if the person wishes to remain a part of the
lists.

All good things,
Pavi Mehta
Volunteer Coordinator, Bookshare

-----Original Message-----
From: A. J. Nolte [mailto:a.j.nolte@xxxxxxxxx]
Sent: Tue 1/27/2009 11:59 AM
To: bookshare-discuss@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [bookshare-discuss] Re: Bookshare's Perspective On Its Lists

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


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