signal to noise (was annoying)/How about a PTG Chatroom?

[RptBob1@AOL.COM]

In a message dated 5/12/00 9:22:46 AM Eastern Daylight Time, A440A@AOL.COM 
writes:

<<  
     The more off-topic postings there are on the list, the less value it 
will 
 have and the fewer really busy, progressive techs will afford the time it 
 takes to wade through the brush, even with a good delete button.  We then 
 miss out on what they might contribute, because non-technical traffic deters 
 them from even joining in. 
       It is a simple signal to noise problem.  Is this a list for 
technicians 
 to exchange technical info, or a place for techs to socialize?   I move for 
 the former, as the latter is of interest to fewer people and a good 
 alternative already exists on another list. 
      >>
Ed:

Well stated-as always.  The hope,  of course, is that those clogging up this 
format with their personal and  valueless chit chat would take your words to 
heart.  SOmehow, I don't feel optimistic about the  probability of it.  Time 
will tell, but time will also cause many to forget what the list is about and 
the personal dribble will return and more persons will unsubscribe 
permanently.  Over the past several years, individuals have declared their 
secession from this list and I am reasonably certain they did so because of 
the list losing value for their time spent.  When things were heating up 
regarding ET vs HT vs whatever, I  also got off  but subsequently returned.  
Others probably have never come back.  That is a loss for all of us.  I just 
don't want that to happen once more.
Those who want the personal chit chat could always join a chat room or 
perhaps create their own.  Having no experience in this, I am presuming it is 
not a difficult thing to do-but others out there might be able to better 
address that possibility.
THE PTG CHATROOM!  Now that sounds good!

Bob Bergantino, RPT
Willoughby Hills, Ohio