I'd resist calling it a courtesy, as it isn't in many ways and from many perspectives. I think everyone here does understand why some might desire 'titles' or 'credentials' as indicators, but there are also many who are skeptical. I think it is a worthwhile claim to make in some communities, for instance, wikipedia, you should always demand it there (ok, so that's snarky, we were comparably very kind as compared to some of the discussions there). I doubt you've offended anyone and I'm happy you've found private support. There is likely general support also, but honestly it likely a topic to get many people involved. but it is basically the same situation, if people feel like announcing their titles and most do, less as a courtesy, then because their email program automagically attaches them, or because their university's office of communications and faculty handbook requires it in all official communication, or some other reason. So all in all, I guess what i'm saying is people will do what they tend to do, but some people don't want any requirements in this arena and i think that a solid argument was made as to why. Now... maybe if we can find a way to configure the list so that it bounces all messages with full signatures.... heh -j On Aug 18, 2009, at 11:13 PM, Dr. Rasha Abdulla wrote:
Ok, folks, you've made your point. I've obviously stumbled on a beehive of some sort. All I meant was I'd personally appreciate it if the person talking to me (among others, I know) would let me know a little bit about who he/she is, if only for the sake of including folks like me who might not be lucky enough or experienced enough or have been around enough to know most people on the list. I apologize if I have offended anybody, that certainly wasn't my intention, but I still stand by my point that, personally, I'd like to know more about the people posting messages on a "public" listserv, and I don't think that's too much to ask (and yes, Jeff, knowing that you're a parachutist bungee jumper is actually interesting and gives me more perspective on who you are. At least I'll remember that next time you post a message since I haven't had the priviledge of meeting you personally yet). Of course we can argue for ages about whether this list is public or private, but that's another topic of discussion.
I thank the few who sent me private messages of support, and the many who disagreed with me publicly. That's what the list is for, I guess. I'll continue to sign my full name and title/link/description/whatever, and I appreciate those who do others that courtesy and certainly now understand why others who don't don't.
All the best. Rasha
On Wed, Aug 19, 2009 at 5:26 AM, Jeff Jacobsen <cultxpt@gmail.com> wrote:
I'd rather put my life-experience qualifications. Doesn't that count?
Jeff Jacobsen Mine Explorer Bungee Jumper Parachutist Anti-cult Activist
See? Much more interesting...
On 8/18/09, Dr. Rasha Abdulla <rasha@aucegypt.edu> wrote:
Hi all,
I've been wanting to ask this of the list members for a while, but was afraid it might be offensive to some. But I'm increasingly convinced that it's important.
Could list members please list their full names and titles as a signature to their messages? It may not make much difference if you're asking a question, but it certainly does when you're providing an answer or even making a comment. I think it adds to the credibility of the message, and gives other list members a chance to assess such credibility.
Thank you. Take care. Rasha -- Rasha A. Abdulla, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Journalism and Mass Communication The American University in Cairo www.rashaabdulla.com _______________________________________________ The Air-L@listserv.aoir.org mailing list is provided by the Association of Internet Researchers http://aoir.org Subscribe, change options or unsubscribe at: http://listserv.aoir.org/listinfo.cgi/air-l-aoir.org
Join the Association of Internet Researchers: http://www.aoir.org/
_______________________________________________ The Air-L@listserv.aoir.org mailing list is provided by the Association of Internet Researchers http:// aoir.org Subscribe, change options or unsubscribe at: http://listserv.aoir.org/listinfo.cgi/air-l-aoir.org
Join the Association of Internet Researchers: http://www.aoir.org/
-- Rasha A. Abdulla, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Journalism and Mass Communication The American University in Cairo www.rashaabdulla.com _______________________________________________ The Air-L@listserv.aoir.org mailing list is provided by the Association of Internet Researchers http://aoir.org Subscribe, change options or unsubscribe at: http://listserv.aoir.org/listinfo.cgi/air-l-aoir.org
Join the Association of Internet Researchers: http://www.aoir.org/
jeremy hunsinger Center for Digital Discourse and Culture Virginia Tech Information Ethics Fellow, Center for Information Policy Research, School of Information Studies, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (www.cipr.uwm.edu ) wiki.tmttlt.com www.tmttlt.com () ascii ribbon campaign - against html mail /\ - against microsoft attachments http://www.stswiki.org/ sts wiki http://cfp.learning-inquiry.info/ Learning Inquiry-the journal http://transdisciplinarystudies.tmttlt.com/ Transdisciplinary Studies:the book series