Re: for db - enough already - abusing the free service

[Barbara Patterson <patterso@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

After several private emails and long-distance calls, I am going to ask
that we all moderate our use of the parkinsn list.  When we overwhelm the
system with personal vendettas and non-pd discussions, we are abusing the
gift of this information exchange / support group / extended family.  PD
is enough to contend with....we don't need flame wars.

On several occasions, we have had "spin-off" lists which have been
started to cover specific language differences; for different "ism's"
such as Shy-Drager, etc.; for caregivers; for young children with a
family member who has pd.  If clinical depression / suicide is going to
take up so much of the list's resources, perhaps it is time to join
or start a list specific to that topic...

To John Cottingham and Simon Coles...you both receive far too little
acknowledgement for the wonderful services you provide.  The list's
archives are an amazing resource, especially for those who are newly
diagnosed and starving for first-hand information.  Let's not abuse these
services either by posting many non-pd messages...now, I don't mean we
have to stick strictly to pd (boring!) ... I want to know how far the
flamingo gets, too.

To clarify some questions regarding list-ownership, the only person who
owns this list, is me and I don't 'moderate' it.  Other members have been
very helpful about letting members know 'how-to' interact with the list
or listserver and I appreciate that help very much but this does not give
them any 'authority' over the list.  If you have a problem with this
service, please let me know...

One more point, then I'll be finished with my 'rant-of-the-day/month/year'.
Before posting entire articles or specific quotations from articles, be
sure you cite the source and have the author/publisher's permission to
post it...  We don't want to take something we don't have a right to .. I
know it seems to us that all information should be free, but authors and
researchers also have rights and ownership when it comes to their work.

Included below, is my phone number at work.  Since my work for the list
is all volunteer, I would ask you to phone me at home after six p.m. (I
work 9:00 - 5:00 Monday to Friday.)  My home number is 905-627-1832.

Take care...

Barb

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Barbara Patterson                               patterso@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
HSC 2J22                                        905-525-9140, ext. 22403
                        School of Nursing
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