From: nmouawad@waterloo.edu (Naji Mouawad)
Subject: The art of posting. soc.culture.mid-east.academia
Organization: University of Waterloo
Date: Sun, 26 Jul 1992 19:46:49 GMT


Greetings,

  I so often feel unconfortable wearing my asbestos gloves and trying
to dampen the fire on s.c.l. (I am sure that the same is true over
similar groups). I have no moral authority to write the following.
Yet, I feel that one ought to do it if not for anything but one's
sanity.

 All to often do we read postings showing disrespect and poor
language. A conversation which starts by being serious and intersting,
degrades rapidely into a vindictive exchange of acrymony and
accusations.

 It serves no one's interest to play the "you did it first game". It
is certainly not in the interest of this group to post accusations and
counter-accusations.

 There was at one point a greater array of voices taking part in the
discussions over this new-group. Many are silenced now.

 It may be the case that they are busy, or away or don't have access
to the net. It may also be the case because they got tired of the tone
_ not the subjects, which I find varied and interesting _ of our many  
voices on the net. 

 I had flamed people, and I had fallen into the trap of answering on
the spot, when my blood is boiling and my adrenaline is rushing
through my brain. I am no better than anyone. I have learned since to
write on "second thought". I would wait five or ten minutes until I
can control myself and then I would sit down and write trying to stay
as polite as possible, baring in mind that I am potentialy
misunderstanding someon's else view-point.


 I know that as a member of this free-forum, I must live up to my
demands. I am asking tolerance, freedom and mutual recognitions. They
are words in vain until I put them in practice. I can voice my opinion
strongly and I often do, but I cannot allow myself lack of respect for
others while demanding to be respected. I cannot ask others to hear me
unless I hear them first.

 
 I am more and more inclined to call for a second news group to be
called something like soc.culture.mid-east.academia.  It would be
moderated and would accept only well-though, well constructed
arguments.

 A post would follow the format of academic papers, with an abstract,
an introduction, and will be written in the apropriate tone.
References will be provided whenever necessary. This time-consuming
matter will put an end to fast short replies which are usually a
surface-reaction than the result of a reflection.

 Replies to posts will be done in that same tone. They must be either
documented or at least show a well thought, well built critisizm which
goes beyond the usual "my father is stronger than your father" type of
arguments. 

 The group will deal with issues which are of Middle-Eastern concerns.
Many of the issues dealing with Lebanon are de facto related to the rest
of the Middle-East. This group will not replace any existing
news-group but will serve those who have grown tired of the usual
flames and are looking for a greater need. It will allow many
participants to contribute thus widening our perspective on the events
shaping the Middle-East.

 
 I believe that such a group must be moderated for it to succeed.

 Your inputs on such a matter is greatly appreciated.

naji.

--
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    | Naji Mouawad  |          nmouawad@watmath.waterloo.edu            |
    |  University   |---------------------------------------------------|
    | Of Waterloo   |   "The Stranger in us is our most familiar Self"  |
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Newsgroups: soc.culture.lebanon