What is this forum for?

[Chuck Robey]

Wojciech Puchar wrote:
>> Hey folks, all of you, could I please sugggest that this entire thread
>> (under a
>> variety of subject names) is an abuse of the lists?
> 
> Generally i do agree with you. But - in my opinion there are lots of
> other abuses. Whenever i pointed this out i got tons of protests from
> others.
> 
> So please - who should decide what's on and whats off topic?

Wojciech, you want to respect POLA: the principle of least astonishment.  It's
not often applied to things like mailing lists, but folks exepct to see tech
support on FreeBSD-Questions, and things like FreeBSD-boosterisms and flamewars
on FreeBSD-chat, where they really are within the list rules.

Expecting any possible solution to work 100% of the time (especially anything
dealing with humans) is a very unfair tactic in trying to justify any view.
What you want to look for is a solution that causes the least problems, and
respecting the list rules does that.  It won't fix all problems, but it does
keep the noise level on our lists to a minimum, and maximizes the amount of help
that can be passed on our lists.  So, don't use the fact that you can point out
single failures as a justification to enable people to act like list juveniles.
 I can' be the only person who likes the FreeBSD lists because they have such a
far lower noise level than any Linux list, and we really do want to keep things
that way.  Respecting POLA is a fine way to go after that goal.

I replied to this on FreeBSD-chat.  Would really be appreciated if you could
leave it there, and if anyone then complains, I'll help you myself in keeping
the topic up, because it's a reasonable, allowed thing on FreeBSD-chat.

> 
> For me - if talks about programs just because it runs under FreeBSD is
> OK, then everything is OK. About politics, sport, choosing printservers.
> 
> Why telling someone that want to "switch" from windows to FreeBSD that
> better stay with windows is wrong? It's my opinion and my way to help
> him/her to save time. And it's proved, over hundred people i know that
> ever tried to "switch" to linux or FreeBSD, got back to windows within
> short time.
> 
> Of course - switching the way of using computer from windows-style to
> unix-style is another thing, is very welcome and is likely to succeed.
> 
> The argument "it's nothing wrong to help others" is a nonsense too. Yes
> - help, but about FreeBSD, or on other list, or on priv.
> 
> Or maybe democratic method - when more and louder shouts it's right -
> it's right?!
> 
> Doesn't you see a nonsense?!
> 
> Once again - please DO MODERATED list, with clearly defined rules what's
> right and what's not. Whatever the rules will be (approved/defined by
> FreeBSD owners) - it will be OK.
> 
> About stats i had to do - i AM working on this, but i was not aware how
> much work it needs. I'm reading mails from february each year, and now
> "processed" four years only.
> 
> So sorry for not doing it for today morning, but i wasn't aware it's too
> short time.
> 
> 
> Another question - some of you said that "outdated" hardware is welcome
> too as gifts for FreeBSD team.
> 
> I actually have lots of them, and NON-typical things, that would be
> useful. I prepared a list, and can make photos.
> 
> I already sent a mail to one developer but got no response. Maybe he is
> just busy or absent, anyway what's the best address for this.