[Linux-aus] Spam Happens

[Bret Busby]

On Wed, 12 Mar 2003, Jeff Waugh wrote:

> Date: Wed, 12 Mar 2003 16:30:38 +1100
> From: Jeff Waugh <jdub at perkypants.org>
> To: Linux Australia List <linux-aus at lists.linux.org.au>
> Subject: Re: [Linux-aus] Spam Happens
> 
> <quote who="Bret Busby">
> 
> > I did not realise that the organisation was using such an unwieldy mailing
> > list application, that made it so difficult to stop non-subscribers from
> > posting to the list.
> > 
> > Perhaps, the mailing list software should be changed, so that, like other
> > mailing list software, it is a simple matter of unchecking a particular
> > checkbox.
> 
> Perhaps, like many other organisations, LA / the list admin doesn't actually
> want to do that... But wait -- it's not like you've been patient enough to
> wait for a response either way. Might be a good idea to sit back and wait
> for that.

Well, actually, the list admin did say that he wasn't worroied about 
what became of the list, as he wasn't going to restrict postings by 
non-subscribers.

As the list was supposedly run by Linux Australia, and thence by the 
committee, it is logical that policies regarding the list should be 
determined by the committee.

Later requests, which could have got a response from the president, as 
spokesperson for the organisation, and, especially for the committee, 
regarding the organisation policy for the list, got only a response 
apparently from the committee, by an ordinary committee member, whaich 
was as I have stated.

> 
> > And, as for "the volunteers are not there to worry about anyone else's
> > concerns" - as I am not the only one who has called for the prohibition of
> > non-subscribers posting to the list, and, as the president (as the
> > supposed spokesperson for the organisation) has not posted a response to
> > the calls, and as the only apparent committee response has been "Who cares
> > about what the people want? Not us.", we are left wondering, once again,
> > whose interests the committee serves.
> 
> You might like show an ounce of sense and patiently wait for a response,
> rather than raising alarm bells every time you don't get what you want (or a
> response to your generally over-inflated and inane emails).
> 

A response has been awaited for a number of weeks. None (other than 
those mentioned) has been forthcoming.

But, the spam keeps coming ("We use a filter. So what if it doesn't 
work. We don't expect our software to work.").

> Here's two more effective ways of going about getting a reponse than flaming
> and raising alarm bells on linux-aus:

Flaming?

Not me, but YOUR email.

> 
>   1) Actually mail the administrator of the list directly, and ask politely
>   what the list policy is regarding spam and non-member posting.

And, who determines the list policy? the list administrator, or, the 
committee? The list administrator has already stated his list policy - 
"who cares? - spam is good".

> 
>   2) If you believe that it is of utmost importance that the president of
>   the organisation respond to your query, mail the president too. Sounds to
>   me like you're over-inflating again -> who flames Linus when there's spam
>   on lkml?

The president is assumed to read the list; the list is supposedly a 
means of communication between the president and the masses, and, 
between the masses and the committee, and, between the masses and the 
masses.

lkml? I hope that is not contageous, whatever it is!


> 
> I'm not entirely sure what the purpose of your many posts to this list has
> been. However, if you have been concentrating solely on establishing your
> reputation as a noisy, demanding, self-absorbed whiner, congratulations. You
> have achieved that with incredible speed and skill.
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> - Jeff
> 
> 

And, you, as the self appointed spokesman for Linux Australia, while the 
COMMITTEE is supposedly trying to determine what exactly is Linuix 
Australia, and what path it shall take, have determined, all by 
yourself, as the spokesman for Linux Australia, that Linux Australia 
shall have the primary purpose of being a group of arroagant baskets, 
with the attitude of like it or lump it, because, as Linux Australia 
(supposedly) reflects the Linux community in Australia, you would have 
us all believe that the Linux community in Australia is a bunch of 
arrogant baskets who actively promote spam, and with the attitude that 
the rest of the world can get stuffed.

Well, likewise, you ARE NOT all that comprise the Linux community, and, 
hopefully, the rest of Linux Australia, is not so arrogant, 
contemptuous, and, bigoted.

Oh, and, if you actually bother to read the postings, you will find many 
constructive suggestions having been made (if you can filter out the 
spam and flaming that prevails on the list).

-- 
Bret Busby
Armadale
West Australia
..............

"So once you do know what the question actually is,
 you'll know what the answer means."
- Deep Thought,
  Chapter 28 of 
  "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy:
  A Trilogy In Four Parts",
  written by Douglas Adams, 
  published by Pan Books, 1992 
....................................................