Path: utzoo!mnetor!uunet!unisoft!hoptoad!dasys1!manes
From: manes@dasys1.UUCP (Steve Manes)
Newsgroups: comp.unix.xenix
Subject: Re: 2nd to last posting on Microsoft dropping Xenix
Message-ID: <2399@dasys1.UUCP>
Date: 30 Dec 87 09:33:51 GMT
References: <4826@well.UUCP> <2357@dasys1.UUCP> <1386@puff.cs.wisc.edu>
Reply-To: manes@dasys1.UUCP (Steve Manes)
Organization: Datamerica Systems, NYC
Lines: 46
Keywords: Microport UNIX XENIX BBS BIX, End of discussion?

In article <1386@puff.cs.wisc.edu> plocher@uwspan.uucp (John Plocher) writes:
>As the moderator of Comp.unix.microport I need to say ONE thing:
>
>	I haven't seen any submissions from you!
>
>So, How do you defend the statement "an unnecessary inconvenience and a
>handicap for worthwhile user<->user discussion"?  You haven't even TRIED IT!

Easy, pardner.  I've actually attempted two postings to
comp.unix.microport.  The first was the night the newsgroup first appeared
here on Cat.  Still being relatively new to Usenet and having no experience
with "moderated newsgroups" I simply hit 'F' to add a followup to your
introduction then spent the next 20 minutes typing in my own, along with
various tips/experiences.  Attempting to save it gave me a rude message
about not being able to post to comp.unix.microport and my edit went into
the Phantom Zone.  The second posting -- a modified CR-sensitive 'getty'
for baud-sensing -- I sent as instructed.  It was promptly returned as
undeliverable two days later so I UUCP'd it to Henry Seltzre at Uport
instead.  Both may be written off as cockpit error/Usenet unfamiliarity but
I don't think there's any convincing argument that participating in a
moderated newsgroup is as convenient and provocative for users as a public
newsgroup.  The fact that there's more Microport discussion in
comp.unix.xenix than in Microport's own dedicated area tends to bear that
out.  And I'm sure it's not because Xenix folks are thrilled to keep it
here.

I'm not certain why some Usenet discussions are moderated and others
aren't.  The ways of Usenet administration are a black art to me.  If
however it was an editorial decision to do so, why?  Certainly, with the
number of Microport users evident on the net it seems bizarre that there
are so few postings to comp.unix.microport unless (a) there's problems
reaching your system from some sites or (b) other Microport users are
equally underwhelmed with a moderated venue.

I'm sure you're doing a terrific job and aren't taking any vacations in St.
Moritz from the perks of moderating the newsgroup.  The criticism was not
intended as a criticism of you but of what I, and many others, perceive as
a bunker mentality at Microport with regard to honest, informative
communication with its customers.  And, yes, I'm still waiting for my 2.3
update I paid for last October.

-- 
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