Dear colleagues,
I apologize for writing in great haste to the list, but just as I was
sitting down to a belated Christmas dinner with dear friends who have
just arrived from abroad, I received a telephone call from a list colleague,
informing me that things were getting rather hotter on the list than
all of us would like. And so, may I please reiterate a few things:
- if ever I -- or Carolyn, or Otfried -- have been anything less than
fair to any of us, please accept, on behalf of us all, my profound
apologies;
and if ever you may be offended, please write to us at once
- any question or request the list owners might make are intended,
sincerely, to further open discussion on topics that are essentially
medieval. There is nothing wrong with occasional off-topic remarks or even
with teasing remarks, as long as they remain scarce and friendly and do
not lead to extensive off-topic discussions
- there is *everything* wrong with negative comments in terms of race,
gender, sexual orientation, age or religious confession (including atheism)
- please always keep in mind that this is a list of more than 800 members
from more than thirty countries. While every member is invited to
participate
actively, it is not an ideal situation if some members (and owners!) tend to
monopolize this space by responding to almost any and every posting to the
list. If you read a post to which you wish to respond, please read it twice
--
and read it carefully and thoroughly -- before you respond; also ask
yourself
if you really have a substantial contribution to make or just a personal
opinion
or witty remark to offer
- anyone who is unhappy with the way the list operates is asked to please
let us know; and if our response/s is/are unsatisfactory, then please know
that we do not demand that you remain members of the list: you are free
to join any number of excellent medieval lists
In the meantime, if anyone wishes to present medieval, primary-source
material in favour of, or in opposition to, academic views expressed on this
list, I would encourage them to do so.
And now to the rest of my dinner. On what are supposed to be my holidays,
dedicated to my family and personal life!
Best wishes to all, regardless of political or religious views,
George
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