Re: improving sci newsgroups


It is not xposting to alt newsgroups which is the problem--some, such as alt.caving, do have a reasonable connection to the sci. groups, and there is no such similar sci group.

It is the failure of people to stay on-topic but to stray off into unrelated relgion/politics rants. Now, sometimes these are relevant; more often they are mere ravings.

I wouldn't think a phone number requirement is good. What if your phone number is unlisted--especially if you share your phone number because there are multiple people in a household? Most email addys are specific to the person involved. For the most part, phone calls are more invasive than any email. I am on every do not call list out there, but I don't mind email as it is much easier to delete if not relevant to me. Spam filters do a pretty good job of catching all but one or two unwanted emails, and only put one or two wanted ones in the junk box. That way, most strangers can still get through with legitimate communication, but the commercial mail is trapped.

It has been sad to see how kook postings have driven away many of the real scientists from sci.geo.geology, but I cannot blame them. I do not think this promotes science, as much as it might maintain sanity. Why people cannot comport themselves online as rational and compassionate beings is beyond me.

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