sa1z+@andrew.cmu.edu (Sudheer Apte) (02/21/90)
FORMAL CALL FOR DISCUSSION: talk.politics.south-asia
What is talk.politics.south-asia?
Talk.politics.south-asia is a proposed newsgroup. There is a need to
discuss political history and events in the south asian region,
primarily in the Indian sub-continent. This newsgroup,
talk.politics.south-asia, will be for articles concerning political
developments and views concerning countries in the region.
Note: The term Sub-continent is used below to refer to the Indian
sub-continent. This includes Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal,
Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Also, "s.c.i." means soc.culture.indian,
where political opinions are currently aired.
Why a Separate Newsgroup?
Part of the idea is to reduce political postings on s.c.i., which
generate much of the heat on that group, The other is to create a
suitable forum for open discussions on sensitive but important topics.
The talk groups are traditionally unmoderated and of a free nature,
so unpopular postings are less likely to be flamed there just because
they are unpopular (I wish!). That is, nobody will be able to say,
"that's a sensitive topic, so it's best to avoid it" on
talk.politics.south-asia (unless it falls outside the charter---see
below). Also, the word "indian" in s.c.i.'s name have sometimes been
used to suppress postings by other nationals than Indian. This cannot
happen with the neutral name "south-asia."
What Kinds of Articles?
The following are expected to be posted on talk.politics.south-asia.
1) News of recent developments which may lead to political discussion.
(News items are still welcome on s.c.i., too, if not commented).
2) Discussions of ancient, medieval, and especially modern history
of events in the Sub-continent having political ramifications or
motives.
3) Discussions of ancient, medieval, and especially modern history of
events outside the Sub-continent having political ramifications in
the Sub-continent.
4) Commentary on international affairs, where at least one of the
nations is in the Sub-continent.
What Should Not Be Posted?
These kinds of postings are discouraged on talk.politics.south-asia:
1) Personal flames, as usual. These should be done by e-mail, if at
all.
2) Religion-bashing (political criticism of religious groups
excluded).
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