It's just a place where people go to post messages - it belongs to no one. I feel that I know Glenn and his attitudes toward harp building, I know Kim and how she feels about things, and Arsalaan, and Mike, and Wanda. In newsgroup you go to it and read what interests you. It's totally public. It's like your local supermarket's bulletin board.
Messages are bland and to the point.
I belong to several mailing lists. Each has it's distinct make-up. Some are very chatty and personal, some argumentative, some thought provoking, some helpful. Maybe Kim has found some that have successfully been able to achieve this. Could she please point us to one that does have that make-up so we can look it over and maybe have a different opinion.