Dear all, True, the AoIR list has traditionally been a place for polite and considered reflection. I have no doubt it'll continue to be the same once this thread of radicalism dries up. But admit it, conflict, when expressed in no uncertain but colourful verbal forms, can also be hugely entertaining. I came to this conclusion from my studying an online political discussion forum. And so far this list is doing much better handling its conflict. Enjoy, Ildiko Kaposi

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TRKluver@ntu.edu.sg 02/03/04 6:15 AM >>> I have been holding my anger back, but I am getting tired of AoIR becoming a listserve of inflated egos and the most egregious forms of rudeness. I would humbly request that from now on, we make some sort of "civic pledge" to not dismiss people who disagree with us as "clowns" and try to keep the list on topic.

Art

Yes, it is a terrible thing to have a listserve where not everyone agrees with your own construction of reality. Much better to dismiss everyone who disagrees you as a "clown" (Art's description of Barry Wellman), and get them off our mailing lists. Randolph Kluver School of Communication and Information Nanyang Technological University 31 Nanyang Link Singapore, 637718 (65) 6790-5770 Fax (65) 6792-4329 "Aude aliquid dignum." _______________________________________________ Air-l mailing list Air-l@aoir.org http://www.aoir.org/mailman/listinfo/air-l