Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am concerned about the effect of GDW having full and free access
to the TML. In my opinion, the TML is not indeed a public forum.
It is a private list by subscription only. Perhaps someone could
correct me if I am in error, but I believe that the TML charter
says that it is indeed a private list.
I have in the past year, considered the TML as such. I have felt
that the membership of the TML was not the public at large, but a
group of friends. I personally consider the TML community to be
composed of my friends. Now while I may not be friends with each
and every individual, I have talked with most of the more vocal
members, and consider them to be my friends.
There are those who have described the TML as a public forum. I
disagree. However, I am not about to force my definition of the
TML on anyone who feels that way. The private/public definition is
one which is debatable.
However, I would like to make a request.
For the convenience of those who feel this to be a private list,
I would ask that those who disagree to have consideration for those
who do. Now, if we see this as a private list, then what is said
here is said, more or less, in confidence. Therefore, if something
is then being sent on to a third party, that is something of a
breach of trust. The only honorable course of action is therefore
to request permission to pass letters along. I did not think that
this was necessary before, but in view of recent events, I do see
it so now.
So, I would ask that if the TML members wish to have their comments
forwarded on to GDW via Mr. Borich, that they put a note to that
effect into the body of the letter. If such a note does not
appear, please do not forward that particular message.
Bryan, at least in my case, I would ask you that any message from
me not go on to GDW unless I specifically ask that you do. If in
the future, you read a message from me that you think ought to be
passed on to GDW, please ask my permission first.
If GDW wishes to interact fully with the TML, I suggest that they
subscribe to it on their own. Thus far, I have not seen much
appreciable interest on GDW's part other than Loren Wiseman's
comments. His comments and insights I enjoy and look forward to.
I also feel that GDW should know the following about the TML should
they decide to continue to interact. The TML has a characteristic
frankness to it's discussions. The members are free to say what
they think and contribute what they like. Yet, there are limits to
the language used, and obscenity, while not unknown, is the
exception rather than the rule. To be honest, I am probably one of
the worse offenders on this count, as I tend to be somewhat
emotional and quick to react at times. I don't make any apologies
for it, it's just my personality.
(Hey, there's more than one reason why I sign: '2G Scott' :-)
However, while the discussions are frank, personal attacks and
flames are out of place here.
GDW may feel that they have been under attack by contributors to
the TML. This is understandable considering some of what has been
said. I however maintain that, despite the language used, the
comments are not at a personal level, but criticism of products.
It is akin to criticizing the government: Lots of people may say
the US president is an idiot, but that is hardly a personal attack.
Now, the US president may feel otherwise, but it is not really
meant as such.
A certain amount of frustration has been voiced over GDW and
MegaTraveller. This has generated a good deal of the friction.
But that friction is not really on a personal level. I therefore
suggest that GDW not treat it as such.
Also, while I do not subscribe to GEnie I understand from those who
do that there are quite some differences between that and the TML.
GEnie, has some rather strict codes, while the TML has a looser
flavor. It is however more restrained than the USENET News groups.
If GDW thinks that the TML community is rude, then I suggest you
take a look at some of the News groups. We're pretty tame.
Scott 2G Kellogg
Bryan, if you feel that GDW would be interested in the above,
please forward it to them. Thank you.^Z