> I find it hard to believe that anyone could really object so strongly to
> allowing another poster (the person to whom one is replying) to specify
that
> they wish the reply to be sent directly rather than via the list.

It seems rather contrary to the purpose of an open discussion forum.

> I also find it hard to believe that it is so difficult to just look at the
> reply address before you hit send and, if you choose not to honor the
> original posters request to reply privately, just change the address to
> piclist@mitvma.mit.edu.

No, not difficult to do (as I had to do to send this message), but difficult
to remember.  It creates a rare inconsistancy - the worst kind.  Since the
default is what you expect most of the time, the exceptional cases can slip
by unnoticed very easily.  When it does, your message just appears to go
down some black hole with no hint as to why.

A number of times I have taken the time to compose a reply only to never see
it on the list.  It took me a while to figure out why.  I bet this has
happened to others too.  One time this happened I was trying to post some
source code for stuff that more than one person was discussing.

> Olin, referring to people as assholes on the PICList is not encouraged.

OK, but it did finally get a response.  I mentioned this much more subtly a
few times and was ignored.  I bet there are others who have no idea why
their replies get "lost" on occasion.  Even if you simply responded in
effect "That's the way it is because that's how those of us in charge want
it.  If you don't like it, too bad." it would have at least clarified things
and put the matter to rest.

> Please calm down. Also, before we get the results of this poll back, think
> about this for a second: Are you able to accept the will of the majority
(if
> not that of the list admins) and let this issue go? If you can't, you need
> to learn about "higher powers." I would suggest leaving the list and
> attending AA meetings instead. Not that I assume you drink, but it is my
> opinion, after 7 years clean and sober, that they have the inside track on
> the acceptance of a need for higher powers, religious or social.
>
> Would you rather have received that message privately?

I don't mind at all, James.  I bet you feel better getting that off your
chest.  I suspect it wouldn't have had quite the same effect if you'd said
it to me privately ;-)


*****************************************************************
Olin Lathrop, embedded systems consultant in Devens Massachusetts
(978) 772-3129, olin@cognivis.com, http://www.cognivis.com

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