P3D List Proliferation and Taboos

[Bruce Springsteen <bsspringsteen@xxxxxxxxx>]

My pitch:

I think there is a distinction that is important.  People who are
interested in a special aspect of stereoscopy and who create a list to
serve that special interest have every right, and possibly good reason to
do so.  But the existence of such a list should not be used as an
opportunity to categorically ban a topic from a stereoscopic forum which is
 general in scope.  To say that there should be a list for those who are
especially interested in RBTs, or making cards for APEC, or selling and
buying, does not logically demand that the topic become taboo and
"inappropriate" for the general list.  It does not follow and is not in the
interests of the greater subject.

After all, different situations demand different approaches.  Folks of an
analytical temperament may tend to segregate, compartmentalize and draw
boundaries between topics - so they can focus and exclude irrelevancy.  But
creative discussion requires that bridges be built between those topics
again.  For example, in my own case, art and science are not separable
topics but two sides of one coin.  My tendency, indeed the very spirit of
my contributions, is to draw attention to the beauty of the links between
math and magic, physical and phantastical, that are so characteristic of
this hobby.  To ask me to segregate my ideas between P3D and T3D is like
being invited to a party and being told to dance with one foot in one room
and the other foot in another.  Or like looking at a stereograph with one
eye, then the other, and calling it a "balanced perspective".  It has been
a source of continuing frustration for me.

Summary:
Let other lists exist if people want to make them.  But don't bar any
legitimate stereo topics from the general list, P3D.  Let those threads
survive that active participants keep alive.  Let the ones that bore
everyone die, as they always do.  And let silent subscribers try posting
things they like, and leave others to do the same. 

Let only blatant flames and non-stereo digressions of unreasonable length
be taboo (refereed by the moderators).  Let non-moderators with complaints
file their objections off-list with the persons whom they feel are
inappropriate or with the moderators, but not in general "blasts" on-list. 
The reasoned off-list approach is more civilized and probably more
effective.  Better to snuff one candle than to curse the light, I always
say.  Remember the poster who comports himself like an 800-pound goose
Monday through Saturday may lay a golden egg on Sunday.  Live and let live.


OK, next parson may take the pulpit. ;-)

Bruce.
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