RE: [ga] Austerity measures

[Roeland Meyer <rmeyer@mhsc.com>]

The label "Censorship" is inflammatory hyperbole used to inflate and inflame
the issue of moderation. Like labeling inclusive root operators "rogue", it
is a tactic used to prevent civilised discussion on the subject, in this
case ... moderation. In the other case, it is multiple root zone systems. It
is a proven tactic, unfortunately. In both cases, constructive discussion is
stifled. What happens is that those who feel that they are painted with the
label are compelled to defend against the unreasonable assault whilst those
making the assualt continue it in feined reasonablness. All the while,
bandwidth gets burnt on deconstructive discussion about the mis-labeling,
rather than any significant points actually related to the subject at hand.
IOW, it's a rat-hole. But, it is one that can't be ignored.

I am sure that others will argue with this assessment. This will probably be
users of such inflammatory hyperbole or those that are too "green" to
recognise it for what it truely is. However, I've seen this tactic used
since IFNA (International Fido Net Association) days and seen it be really
well developed in UseNet (has that really been over 15 years, wow!).
Therefore, I am not fooled, although others might be. Even though I
recognise it, I also recognise that one can't have reasonable
debate/discussion in its presence. It creates too hostile of an environment
for reasonableness. The work-product of such an environment is always
heavily biased. There is no way to avoid such behavior from poisoning a
discussion. Personally, when I see such behavior in a group, I tend to
discount any work-product of that group, as do most others that recognise
the tactic for what it is. This even includes groups wherein I may be a
participant.

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Philip Sheppard [mailto:philip.sheppard@aim.be]
> Sent: Tuesday, May 15, 2001 12:23 AM
> 
> Can anyway provide an example of censorship exercised on the 
> ga moderated list in the last 12 months?
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