List Discussion Guidelines

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Antiquist began in part as a means to encourage a new raft of cultural heritage computing professionals and to bring them/you into contact with a range of experts, and we continue to support these aims. Above all Antiquist is a place for debate and discussion, theory and practice, and information and answers. We all have a lot to learn. For that reason it is important to abide by the two guiding principles of Antiquist: Utility and Civility.

Utility

Antiquist is a forum for discussing issues pertaining to Cultural Heritage and Informatics. No issue within that scope is too big, too small or off limits. However, its members are drawn from a wide range of backgrounds with varying interests so not every topic will be of use to everyone. It is also a mailing list rather than a bulletin board which means that members cannot filter content. To minimise spam:

  • Do not post on topics to which other members have not signed up such as those which are solely to do with either Cultural Heritage or Informatics. This is a particular danger when giving ‘general’ answers to specific questions.
  • Do not use someone else’s question as an opportunity to bang your own drum. Answer it directly and to the best of your ability, then leave them to decide whether it helps them.
  • Make a point only once in a given discussion. Repeating it provides no new information, will not convince the unconvinced, and only creates more email for others to wade through.

Civility

Disagreement is a fact of life. While we applaud the passion with which many of our members defend - and even evangelise - their opinions, Antiquist must remain a forum where all members feel they can risk asking questions relevant to any and all levels expertise without being belittled. Thus,

  • There is absolutely no room for disparaging commentary about other groups or individuals. This rule will be strictly enforced.
  • Even if you disagree with someone’s comment, it is still important to acknowledge that they have taken the time and effort to respond and their opinion should be respected.

Finally, as moderators we have absolutely no desire to ban members (many of whom are our personal friends) and, excepting flagrant violation of these principles (such as marketing spam or offensive language), polite warning will always given before doing so. Nevertheless, if members fail to co-operate when asked, we will have no option other than to use the ‘nuclear option’.

We hope that all our members will understand this policy and give it their support both in word and practice.