Date: Wed, 15 Aug 2001 04:02:57 -0400 (EDT)
From: Jack Porcello <jackp@balloonhq.com>
To: balloon@balloonhq.com
Subject: Re: Keeping posts on topic  

On Tue, 14 Aug 2001, John James wrote:

> exchange ideas and maybe put a new twist on an old question. Am I off base
> here?I would much prefer to see ....This is how I twist a ---- and there is
> also a great section in the archives that explains this further.
> I just get the feeling that people are getting shoved off the list or
> insulted -assaulted if they don't always consult the archives first 

It has never been my intent (or, to my understanding, that of the rest of
the team here at BHQ) to insult or assault any subscriber of the mailing
lists.  As far as shoving people off the list goes, it takes a lot for
someone to be suspended, let alone outright removed, from the BHQ e-mail
lists.  A person will never be removed without first being contacted
individually (never publicly) and notified of their inappropriate posting.
Only after repeat offenses will someone be removed. Rather than remove
someone from the list, we prefer to educate them on proper use of the list
and allow them to take part in future discussions. 

Direction to the Guide to Balloons and Ballooning in answer to a posted
question is the most direct and efficient way of replying in some cases.
Individuals are always encouraged to share information received in private
posts, thus increasing the amount of information available.  Creative
discussion of new ideas is never discouraged.  

Jack Porcello
BalloonHQ