[net.news] Social pressure as a means to limit net.general?

silver (04/28/83)

Then again, if you see an article you find irritating because it was mis-posted,
mis-titled, or whatever, why not use "r-" to send a short note to the author?
It only takes a minute.  I for one believe in systems that are self-correcting,
and I believe that most people WILL get the idea if they are yelled at enough.

Of course, there will always be new users to teach, and harda**ed incorrigibles
(such as those who INSIST on using lower case).  But it's worth a try...

Alan Silverstein

mmr (05/03/83)

In regards to the suggestion that mail be sent to people who misuse
a news group on the premise that if they get yelled at enough they will
learn netiquette:  

This is a good idea, but just be sure that the criticisms are constructive.
I have misunderstood some of the documentation, and made some dumb mistakes,
and there is nothing more irritating than having somebody send you mail
flaming at you, berating you for being an a**hole.  I don't need that kind
of garbage first thing in the morning, or at any other time.  So be gentle in
your personal remarks, unless the person is a chronic offender.  We are all
entitled to a few mistakes.

			Margaret Reek
			Rochester Institute of Technology
			seismo!rochester!ritcv!mmr