I was the person, some of you may remember, who posted a message to the
effect that "Why is it whenever there is a really interesting discussion
people call for an end to the flamewar?" I received many private
messages from people who agreed wholeheartedly that lively debate was
good, and much more interesting than the messages asking for the address
of the National Association of Rutabaga Growers.
There's been a lot of flaming under the bridge since then. I now have
reconsidered my position as I have seen law librarians whom I greatly
respect being assailed. I now want to amend my previous message.
Although I still think this debate is very important and is well worth
the space it is taking up on this list, the personal attacks and the
overheated tone of some of the messages have crossed the line in my
view. Let's try to stick to calm and responsive discussion of the
issues. Both sides are at fault, I think. If messages are going to
consist of fanatical accusations or evasive corporate p.r., maybe those
messages should be kept off the list.
This is a list of knowledgeable people. Fanatical accusations will win
few converts and turn off many. Evasive corporate p.r. will win few
converts and turn off many.
Fred Shapiro
Associate Librarian for Public Services
Yale Law School
e-mail: shapiro@minerva.cis.yale.edu
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