>[Moderator's note: Fairly close to a commercial post, which normally >doesn't go in the FML - might had to save future ones for the advertising >issue. BIG] This got me confused, because here was a post about ferrets. So I went and checked something I 1st got when I joined the FML. I saved it because I thought it meant something. > The ferret mailing list (FML) is a forum for the discussion of > ferrets, Mustela Putorius Furo, primarily as companion animals. > In other words, if you are interested in pet ferrets, this is > probably a good mailing list for you. Hmmm. A ferret posting warrants a warning, yet a blatantly ferret free post about BBQ (or was it a lost lunch of 4 decades ago - in either case I don't care about it) gets put in because it was a "short" list day. About a year ago the list began to push 18 pages regularly and people howled about length, some even left. Now 30+ pages is common. If it were quality that would be fine, but much of it is crap (BIG, my torque is in a cheek). So I guess pages numbering only in the teens toss the guidelines out the window now. In fact, da ratest bogue seemeses ta talk ina sum magglelyed Anglosh, whats effen the peoples canty understoods. Dunt evan news dats fleasancy means fiancee im sumtin personas overstood ef er war in English. If length weren't enough, we have to wade through cute stuff like this to find that it is almost a personal letter. I pity the many non English primary members. I've seen polite people from Japan apologize needlessly for well worded English and native speakers routinely spout this trash and think themselves clever. I can do it too, if you're not impressed with mine, the feeling is mutual. The length issue brings up another matter - post length limits. A while back these were wisely imposed, and now I call for them to be reduced to 90 lines. There are too many 2 pages blithering posts which dawdle all over, while effusively apologizing to BIG (I'll TRY to keep this below 8 pages, BIG). And it seems to work. Now might be a good time to mention my favorite band. While I like the Dead, especially before Keith G. died, HAWKWIND is the best for trippy music. There used to be a person/family from Ohio that used this as a handle. Wonder if they are still on the list and if they like HAWKWIND. The synths drive some of my ferret crazy as the swirls go around the room. "Space is Deep" is one favorite and "Psychedelic Warlords" seems to get a great response. Anybody who wants to trade gig tapes, let me know. The ferrets love to play in the padded mailers. Of course, there are always those people who feel that this forum is free and that a person can skip over things they don't like. Here is a chance to put your words to action. You can just skip this and if you are put off, forget it as you move on. I print the FML so I can take it home to read and let my PT read it too. So the die (or toner in this case) is cast, even if I skip the post. I cringe at the trees wasted and landfill lost over things that probably don't belong in the FML. Then again, I'm a joiner, if others can do it, I must be able to too. Is it time for another pandering aside to buy indulgence? We had a newbie mention the length and multiple posts recently. I applaud your courage and perspicacity. In no time you noticed what others have lost. We need more people like you. Well, I'll end this one so I can work on a 2nd post for this issue. I hope that there will be more consideration put to post, as requested by our moderator. If not, I hope the moderator will enforce things, without favorites (in just what cheek do they put their tongues?). ( )--(a) (@=@=) \ Till next time.......Rudy the ferlosopher O__) \ \___ \ \ /\ * ) \ I'll be bock. [Moderator's note: Well, Bob, let's see if I can clear it up a bit. The guidelines that are sent out specifically allow posts "of community interest to the membership" and also say news about FML readers is appropriate. The guidelines further state that advertising is NOT acceptable. But, guidelines are just that - guidelines. I've made exceptions in the past and will continue to do so based upon the feedback I receive from the readers and, unfortunately, my own biases and judgement calls. Typically, 10% of the posts are rejected - so there *is* some thought going on behind the scenes! Yes, the length limits are subject to revision if necessary, though I soon will have the ability to automatically enforce limits on the number of posts per subscriber per day and I'm considering that too. In any event, your comments are noted and all comments are appreciated. BIG] [Posted in FML issue 1608]