hello list, johannes asked "exactly what level of debate or idea sharing is evoked here?" a greater level than is on the list now. as you said yourself: "Our maillists have become feeble bulletin boards, occasional news items, announcements, and the dance-tech list also is in such a strange lull, a silent phase of no debate or exchange of viewpoints […]" i wonder how useful it is to agree with a perspective (simon's) that will lead only to feeble bulletin boards and passive participation. this list is not a 'persistent presence', but a putrefying presence. "there is no intention whatever on my part to shut the dance-tech list down" then what is your intention revitalize the list, or are you happy with the silent status quo as long as it suits your needs? so far you have not put aside time to suggest a way forward from the issue you raised. you example of other lists (e.g. empyre or idc) show that active moderation and instigation of conversations is needed. [ https://mail.cofa.unsw.edu.au/mailman/listinfo/empyre/ ] [ https://lists.thing.net/pipermail/idc/ ] do you have the time for more active participation? or are you willing to raise people who do have time to moderator status? i look forward to the 'more soon' "[...] help to build this community" [ //www.freelists.org/archives/dance-tech/10-2005/msg00000.html ] community is more than one, or a few. if this is 'the forum' for the community then something is wrong if they are not making their voices heard. there is also the issue of what happens when they speak (especially if new) and if they are listened to with understanding. it is not good enough to dismiss blogs out of hand. there has been more critical debate on dance-tech issues on blogs in the last month than there has been in the last year of this list. it is both sustained and in depth. if you want the news to 'come to you' rss feeds can be made into digest emails. a new site does not have to be technology for technologies sake, nor should we be neo-luddites. the suggestion for a social site seems many fold. for one, to have better visualisation of the dance and performance technologies community at large. for example, no one (apart from the mods) has any idea who is on this list or the numbers. it would also be useful to have a shared (online) calendar where provisional and confirmed dates for events would be posted. i'm not keen on social networks myself, but it could be made to work. and there is a willingness to do so. citing 'spam' is a weak critique, adverts for showings/workshops without contextual discussion can also be considered spam. some people do want and, need to network, so it is a useful suggestion. the notion of moving the forum/list to such a site is to keep things central. a new start is wanted due to the perceived lack of direction and steering. to strip out the (political) agendas that run as an undercurrent. the notion of a new list/network 'for the community, by the community'. it would be great if the community did take the time to respond, even if briefly ... even if just: 'discussion to remain here and a network site', or 'monthly topics would be welcome' this is supposed to be a list for the many ... best matthew gough