> ...
> The question is
>
> "what is bee-l now and what
> do you want it to be?
> "
>
>
Although BEE-L hasn't been hosted at UAlbany for years
, it was originally hosted at the State University of New York, sponsored
by Dr. Edward Southwick at SUNY
Brockport, hosted at SUNY Albany. As a University list I have always
striven to keep the discussion at a University level. That is not to say
that one need a PhD to contribute to the discussion, but then again, I try
to keep the discussion "informed". In and of itself, that goal may keep
many lurking rather than contributing. "Informed" should not be
"Intimidating".
Having said that, I want it to be know that it is a rare occasion that I
reject submissions to the list. I do not correct speling errors (sic) and
I do not fact check (I leave that to the subscribers; they do a great
job). I reject trolls and rude responses, and I return posts with
excessive quotes.
Excessive quote responses average around a dozen (or more) a week.
Requests to remove quotes and resubmit yield perhaps 1 in 6. A lot of good
content gets lost in the exchange. I have often thought I should simply
remove the quotes and resubmit myself. But I do not edit content; were I
to edit, listserv attributes authorship to me. I will not plagiarize
others contributions. I understand many mailers include in responses
copies of the original. I also know the skills required to work around
quoted material are simple. It's not that hard folks (although I have 29
years of IT under my belt so admittedly it is easier for me than it may be
for others).
hundreds (Aaron may chime in) of lurkers.
Just shy of 1000 subscribers, a few dozen regular contributors.
> the vast majority of lurkers
are intimidated, scared of looking uninformed.
Get over it, grow a pair, jump in. Disparaging replies will die in my
inbox.
> I see many of the same friends posting regularly on BS,
I do not participate on BS.
Have not from its inception when Barry cyber-squatted BEE-L as his
personal domain name. I have no more to say.
So the question is, should this be a place for casual discussion as well as
"informed debate" on Science?
Quoting our President Elect, "Wrong!"
Should one need a degree
in Biology to be able to discuss?
"Wrong!"
What is the goal and future for Bee-l?
Dunno. There are times I think BEE-L has run its course. There are other
times when BEE-L shines. When I go to conferences I spend days and get
but a few gems. As long as there are gems to be had I'll continue.
Anybody going to Galveston?
I see the number of researchers in the bee field going up, but
participation here dropping?
Researchers get bullied on this list. I tried to make amends with Eric
Erickson at EAS at MMA (2002) and he refused to shake my hand. I am
infinitely grateful for the researcher (and everyone for that matter) who
brave this forum.
We have all levels on this list. No advanced degree required. I prefer to
keep conversation informed and encourage contributors to do their homework
before coming here. But I don't want the list to be perceived elitist.
All are welcome. Simple questions give lurkers an opportunity to jump in!
As long as a query elicits a response, it's fair game. I have never
returned a post to this forum as inappropriately too basic.
do
we really want to only be at a doctorate level discussion?
Aaron Morris - thinking everything's fair game, but do your homework
first!
***********************************************
The BEE-L mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html
|