Dear all,
I've been away from my email for the last twenty-four hours, so apologies
all round for my late intervention in this discussion.
I don't consider it to be my role to end or promote threads of discussion,
except where that discussion has strayed from the concerns of the list --
including situations where that discussion has begun to focus on material
that some might consider offensive. The present discussion seems very
relevant to our teaching and research practice, and in itself is neither
unpleasant nor offensive, and I therefore see no reason why I should
intervene. Those who would prefer not to receive emails on a subject that
does not interest them might want to consider receiving list traffic in a
digest form, or even suspending their accounts until they have the
patience to return. As an alternative, there is the delete key.
On the other hand, I do have a responsibility to remind list members that
we are an academic community, this is a professional forum, and every
member of this list deserves the courtesy of other members -- even
conerning those matters where we may all feel justly passionate. Abrasive
and insulting emails will not be tolerated quietly. I will be writing
privately to members of the list whose recent posts seem to me to have
over-stepped the bounds of civility; this will reflect my own judgment,
which is by no means perfect, but I will do my best. If I cannot secure
the agreement of those members to behave more decorously, I will ask them
to withdraw from the list.
Thank you,
Andrew
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