Re: [DML] Re: Brake Master Cylinder Rebuild Kits?

[jwit6@xxxx]

***** Moderator's Note *****
The moderators try to keep the discussions on the list civil. We have
learned over the years that what one member sees as a resonable response
is seen as an attack by someone else. Certain attempts at humor can
(and are) misinterpreted as well. Questions about a proposed solution
to a particular problem are legitimate content for the list. Most of
the time, the goal of the questions are to improve the understanding
of the solution, and in every instance, there are alternatives 
available from the various vendors. We as moderators screen out the
obvious attacks, but if a post can be interpreted in a couple of 
different ways, we may ask for clarification before sending it through.
Sometimes, the proposed solutions can cause unintended problems - a good example are "drop in" replacements for R-12 that contain volatile gasses.
Questioning these solutions is definately in the interest of the typical
owner. It is up to each individual to determine for themselves what 
solution is best for their situation. The moderating team will not make those decisions for the list membership.

Vendors are an important part of the DeLorean community. They support 
the cars through their products, they support events like Ken's 
recent shindig in Memphis. They also provide a lot of support here.
Imagine what the list would be like without DMCJoe, John Hervey, 
Darryl Tinnerstet, and others who provide advice and council regarding
repairs and modifications to our cars.

Your moderating team tries to keep the outright advertising to a 
minimum. For the most part, the vendors cooperate, but they do need
reminders from time to time to tone things down. References to web 
pages are ok, and direct responses to questions regarding availability
of a particular part are allowed. Flyers, price lists, discounts,
are not. We also try to screen out spam that hits other sites. Things
like "I just found out about the great new product and thought you
should know...." from someone who just became a member or who has never
participated in the list before usually won't make it through on the 
first try without some additional explanation. 

Mike G Moderator of the Week

> In fact, I greatly hesitate to pose this question in the Delorean 
> debating list, since I'm certain the majority response will be 
> attack, but it's the only place I know to ask.

In a message dated 6/25/02 8:09:45 PM Eastern Daylight Time, 
tobyp@xxxx writes:

<< Please note the statement that this person makes regarding a 
hesitation (perhaps dread) at asking this list for advice and counsel 
on this relatively straightforward question. When we foster this kind 
of "fear to participate" from people who could make a significant 
contribution to the DeLorean marque (given the chance), then we cannot 
expect to see growth and development in the List, or in the car. >>

Here goes...fire storm time....:-)
Toby makes a good point. I suspect that a good deal of the dread of a hostile 
reply stems directly from the participation of some list members who have a 
vested interest in profiting from the non-vending membership. In short, if 
you're making money on something, you want everyone to buy your stuff. Vendor 
loyalty is fine. But attacking others who wish to find another way, or an 
alternate source, is counter productive for all of us. Moderators....this is 
your turf. Don't we need to foster an environment of trust and diversity? Why 
do you allow vendors to influence the tenor of the list? Perhaps a 
distinction needs to be made . If you sell something, and it's not open 
source, or you make a profit from the mebership, then you are a vendor and 
your motives conflict with those of the membership and the list. What are the 
rules concerning vendor participation and/or advertising? Sorry to stir the 
pot.
Jim 6147