On Mon, 27 Oct 2003 00:57:18 +0000, Colin Irvine
wrote:

On Sun, 26 Oct 2003 23:59:15 +0000 (UTC), Alex Heney
wrote:

Stop trying to make the world behave the
way you want it to.

No.

That is what a discussion, possibly followed by voting, process are
for.

Try and change my view, by all means, using reasoned argument. But
please don't tell me not to participate in this discussion/vote. Which
is what that last sentence of yours boils down to.

OK. My argument is this.

Someone is wanting to set up a new newsgroup. You don't like the idea.
Fine. But - for you to feel that way is one thing, while for you to
actively try and stop them is another - and, IMHO, is pursuing your own
interests too far [1].

I'm sorry, but I disagree. The whole point of having a voting process
is so that a qualified majority decision can be made about whether to
start the group or not.

the point of the discussion process is for people to try and change
the minds of those who disagree with them, or themselves possibly be
persuaded by other arguments.


I'm not saying Usenet must always be allowed to run its own course in
every direction. What I do say is that regulation should be kept to a
minimum, and I think that precludes regulating the number of groups for
reasons other than the practicality of administering them.


I'm afraid I disagree again. Regulating the number of groups should
be done by more or less the process we have, namely by voting on
whether groups should be created or not.

there are many possible reasons why a particular proposed group may
not be a good idea, and people should be given the chance to express
that, and to vote accordingly.


[1] Although you'll no doubt claim that you're acting for the good of
all rather than simply to suit yourself.

Not really. I am acting mostly from the selfish point of view that I
am concerned the new group could reduce the traffic levels in the
existing one I read, without taking sufficient to replace it.

It would also mean I would really need to take another group to keep
getting the same information as now, but almost certainly without
gaining anything.

Both of these, if they come to pass *will* affect all who currently
subscribe to RSRE, but I will admit to my potential vote being mostly
on selfish grounds.
--
Alex Heney, Global Villager
Warning: Politicians can be hazardous to your wealth.

To reply by email, my address is aDOTjDOTheneyATbtinternetDOTcom