[MUD-Dev] Re: ADMIN: Advertising on MUD-Dev

[John Bertoglio]

From: J C Lawrence <claw at kanga.nu>
Date: Sunday, August 09, 1998 12:36 PM


>On Sun, 09 Aug 1998 14:22:27 -0400 (EDT)
>s001gmu <s001gmu at nova.wright.edu> wrote:
>

[cut]

>Another point to observe is the norming force this list and its
>membership can enforce.  Back when John Bertoglio posted in a format
>at odds with the list rules (I don't recall the specifics).

The Evil use of HTML (by accident) in email.

> I, and a
>few others sent him polite notes suggesting that a different format
>would be more acceptable.  John changed his posting format poste
>haste, and later observed to the list that the sheer and unstated
>possibility of censure or exclusion from the list (he had been a
>member for merely a few days) was a powerful and compelling motivating
>force that sent him scrambling to comply (I hope I'm not overstating
>here).


No overstatement. When I signed on for the list I knew the rules. And I also
knew that my access and posting privileges could be revoked by one person's
action. That is why the list is so useful. If I wanted democracy (or more
accurately, mob rule), I could continue to use rec.games. No thank you. I
like MUD-Dev as it stands.

Some quick background. We make extensive use of HTML in our corporate email.
Since we trade in web-based products, we often need to imbed HTML in our
email for various reasons. Also, HTML allows us to do simple formatting
tricks to make the mail more readable. We like using HTML in mail. We have
never had a client request text-only mail. I like using HTML in email and
will continue to do so in my other life. I would prefer to use HTML in my
posts so I don't have to carefully check my settings everytime I use my mail
client.

However, the list does not want HTML in posts. Therefore, my posts do not
contain HTML to honor that standard. If I am compelled to share my brilliant
HTML, I will attach it as a file for those who are interested.

R.E. advertising in posts: To me the issue is not so much advertising (which
is a minor annoyance for which I have no further opinion), but
accountability. The free email accounts are easy to get and to spoof. A paid
email account from an IP denotes a minor but real investment which protects
the list by creating a layer of accountability. One of my employees used our
mail account to send out some spam email for his brother. Someone complained
and our IP descended on us like the wrath of god. (This fellow will not be
sending out spam again. He almost lost his job.) My point is that a paid
email account is like a home address vs.. a post office box. One denotes a
sense of permanence and accountability. The other suggests transience and a
lack of accountability.

This list is a remarkable entity (My choice of word, entity was carefuly
considered: the list seems to almost be its own life form.). Anything which
protects its continued existence is a Good Thing.

JC: Do what you think is necessary.

[more cut]
>
>--
>J C Lawrence                               Internet: claw at null.net
>----------(*)                              Internet: coder at ibm.net
>...Honourary Member of Clan McFud -- Teamer's Avenging Monolith...
>


John Bertoglio
(recovering HTML user)

>--
>MUD-Dev: Advancing an unrealized future.
>