As I've read the on and off list responses to my attempt to storm off from being involved in ale, the is a common thread in all of the responses - moderation.<br><br>It's not just the job it's also the process and the goal of the discussions. Sometimes, people say extreme things and other chime in with an alternate view that is equally extreme. Sum total is still moderation. Some people post often and other lurk. Sum total is moderation.<br>
<br>I have been asked to stay on as admin and moderator by many and asked to step down by only one. As I wrestled with the ethics of using the moderator button on the entire group, the comment that turning off the microphone doesn't silence speech rang true. That simple act allows the spirited discussion(s) to continue in direct, private communication that doesn't impact the greater community of ale. It's like the parent taking the crying child out of the theater.<br>
<br>I'm very OK with that concept (screamer in the theater while I was watching the first Iron Man film. I asked her to please be polite. Her response would have made a sailor blush so I replied in kind and she then understood and left).<br>
<br>So unless a nasty political coup emerges and the <a href="http://ale.org">ale.org</a> domain is moved to servers unknown without my technical assistance, I will continue in my current roles.<br><br>I ask that all posters be mindful of their responsibility to the community at large and make a deliberate effort to refrain from either direct or potentially inflammatory comments (outside of those wretched emacs lusers who haven't seen the light of the one true religion of vi). <br>
<br>I have been deeply humbled by some of the comments received and will strive to keep the respect of those who made them. The feedback, much from lurkers and seldom posters (which is about 80+% of the group) indicates that ale serves a vital purpose and even with the occasional zit, the overall community over the last many years has been appreciated and no change is required. Apparently, they know how to hit delete faster than some of us :-)<br>
<br>So let's keep using the [OT] flags and start looking towards the ALE 2011 Summer Social Special to occur near a grill and keg somewhere.<br><br>omg. did i just suggest socializing with emacs lusers? must be getting old and careless. :-O<br clear="all">
<br>-- <br>-- <br>James P. Kinney III<br><br>As long as the general population is passive, apathetic, diverted to
consumerism or hatred of the vulnerable, then the powerful can do as
they please, and those who survive will be left to contemplate the
outcome.<br>- <i><i><i><i>2011 Noam Chomsky</i></i></i></i><br>