Re: alfa-911 - good idea!

[Einar <einar@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Richard wrote:

>here is a proposal for alfa-911:
>
>there will be a separate mailing list, named alfa-911, the purpose being
>for alfa owners who want to get quick help in an emergency.
>
>because of its purpose, there will be no digest version.
>
>posting will be restricted to members; this is a co-op. if you want to be
>able to get help, you need to be prepared to offer it, even if only moral
>support or the names of good local mechanics.
>
>i will not be "auto subscribing" alfa/alfa-digest members to alfa-911. if
>you want on, you have to take the steps to join it.

I would say of course.

>i hope to implement this in the next week or two; right now we're swamped
>as the venture capital people are starting to show up and we need to get
>our marketing presentation together so we don't make asses of ourselves.

I'm sure you will not. Good luck.

>any comments on the proposal, anyone?

Although I do not think Alfa-Digest is the list that need this the
most, it is a good idea. 

Assuming the volume is low (<5msgs/day) I will join in.
In periods of being swamped in other things, I just file away
the Alfa-digest for later reading (I'm allowed to dream?).
But a low-volume to-the-point helpline I would at least look at
the subjects before filing away. And I would try to pitch in if I
think I could make a difference.

It would be important that:
- - Subject line must be explanatory. I'd suggest that a mumber
  of standard words are used, followed by a closer definition
  of the problem if possible. Example: "ELECTRICS:clicks but no cranking."
- - It is not mis(over)used by questioners. (Tighten rules if volume too high?)
- - No exchange of opinions are carried on there. (Move over to A-D or Email)
- - When replying, if it's of a "try this/I think maybe" nature, reply Email.
- - "Mee too/you're wrong/you moron" etc. messages are banned.
- - All "911" messages are relayed to A-D, for calling in non-911-list
  help, and for not "stealing" any valued tech replies from the A-D list.
- - Grumpy (curmudgeon?) answers must be accepted. >:-)

This in turn leads to the necessity for policing the list. Moderation
should not be necessary. It would in fact wreck the whole idea. What
if the moderator sleeps (probably) when someone in the far east needs
help, and the answer might be had promptly from europe?

I will rather suggest a policy of: break the rules once=warning,
break it again=out for 2 weeks, break it yet again=out, period.
Or something like that, I just suggest rules here, I don't make them.
The "policeman" should be Richard, with the power to appoint deputies
as he sees fit. Of course: the resources running this list is his,
and he has done an admirable job keeping the Alfa-digest on the air
and with a fairly good sound/noise ratio.

So Richard, work on that idea and I'm sure it will win enough participants
to be of great value.

BTW: Can I copy your suggestion over to the Mini-List. For that list
it's not a good idea, its a *GREAT* idea!
I'd give you full credit for the idea unless you prefer that not to be done.

Best Regards

- -- 
Einar Sjaavik, einar_sjavik@domain.elided,
http://www.login.eunet.no/~einar/
1986 Alfa GTV 2.0, 1986 Maserati Spyder 2.5, 1974 Mini 1000, 1952
Ferguson TEA

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