I gather a number of people don't like them.
Recall why this attempt at providing members with an idea of two
is present in the discussion arose: We found ourselves in a position
where no one knew who was a part of the discussion, what their interests
or background were. When difficult subjects arose, we experienced cases
where people offered heated opinions, some ad hominum in some cases,
and none of those in the discussion could tell when those offering the
opinion had joined the discussion, what they knew about the prior history
of that discourse in xmca, etc. As a result, responding in a productive
manner was simply impossible, and the cosequences disruptive.
So, after consultation, I hit on the idea of having people at least say
who they are so that some, however vague, idea of audience is possible.
clearly, as xmca has grown, it is unhappy that newcomers get a massive
file dumped on them and we need to find a way around that problem. Using
the xmca web page (a topic which needs separate consideration) is one
avenue. But it is my impression that less than half of xmca users have
web access. Being just back from Russia where people generally do not have
web access, and knowing the situation in Mexico for many, highlights that
difficulty.
So, I'll read the discussion and hope for enlightenment about how to
improve the system. But I ask that those identifying problems also
try to figure out ways where they can take a hand in implementing
improvements.
Now on to some 700 messages!
mike