> ​... ​
> 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!​​

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