Statement & apology (was Re: 10 Year Rule)

Hans wrote.... That would be me, the owner of this list. And given my past indulgence of many peoples behaviour on the list, I rather resent the "ruler" and "right revoker" implication/characterization that you make. This has been a benevolent dictatorship for a long time - since I took over the list many years ago. From what I have been seeing on the list the past few months, I have been far far too benevolent. Case in point - severe off-topicness and quite frankly childish public bickering amongst listmembers that has gone on far too long. I've about had it, and it's definitely past due time for me to "put my foot down" as it were. Good god there has been so much childishness here lately I should turn off the list for everyone a few days to give you all a "time out". People, I am seriously ticked off. Regardless of the fact that I am the list owner, I have virtually always solicited user input before making decisions. I've also virtually always accepted whatever the majority wishes (including a time or two that the majority wanted something I was vehemently opposed to). However, I'd appreciate it if you didn't infer that I do not have the right to make list decisions on my own, with or without input. Perhaps my "going with the flow" for so long has lulled you into the notion that I don't have the final say in matters. I do. The simple fact is, I prefer to let the membership at large "run things". However, doing so (at least to the level that I have been) is obviously not working given the current signal to noise ratio. Since people can't act like adults and police themselves, I will have to step in and do it. Gee, thanks. This is a H-O-B-B-Y folks, thankfully Jim Battle was considerate enough to save me some time and look up the following previous posts: The revocation date was 2005/05/08: http://www.classiccmp.org/pipermail/cctalk/2005-May/194004.html "The definition of On Topic", Jan 2005 http://www.classiccmp.org/pipermail/cctalk/2005-January/057970.html Thread view of same: http://www.classiccmp.org/pipermail/cctalk/2005-January/thread.html#57970 I suggest those concerned about what is on-topic and off-topic read the above, particularly the thread view. Due to the severe off-topicness of late, I'm not sure I'm really up for any discussion on the matter. My sincere apologies to the list for not jumping in to this sooner and being more pro-active. Best regards, Jay West