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From: randy@ranhome.UUCP (Randys Account)
Newsgroups: net.news.group
Subject: Re: Put bad newsgroups on probation before killing them.
Message-ID: <168@ranhome.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 5-Nov-85 15:08:44 EST
Article-I.D.: ranhome.168
Posted: Tue Nov  5 15:08:44 1985
Date-Received: Fri, 8-Nov-85 21:38:29 EST
References: <148@sdcc7.UUCP>
Organization: Fortune Systems, Belmont CA
Lines: 41


  Paul van de Graaf says,

> Just as there is a protocol for starting a newsgroup, there should be a
> protocol for ending one.  ...                                        
> [discussion of demise of net.bizzare]
> 
> Proposed Protocol:
> 1.)  Discuss the problem with the newsgroup in net.news.group.
...
> 
> 2.)  Someone like Spaf decides the problem warrants action.
>      Posts a probation notice in the newsgroup which:
> 	 Says why the group is in trouble.
> 	 Tells what needs to be done to keep the group.
> 	 Encourages members to police themselves and read net.announce.newusers.
> 	 Directs discussion to net.news.group.
> 
> 
> 3.)  If after one month (maybe less) the group does not shape up, kill it!
>      Otherwise the group stays, but remains on probation until the powers
>      that be decide to lift it.

There has been some discussion lately about establishing/reviewing procedures
for removing groups.  There does seem to be "demonstrated need" to somehow
reduce the amount of "noise" on the net.  This would seem to be a good start
at a procedure for removing groups.         

Perhaps removing some of the high volume/least technical groups would be a
good place to start trimming.  If net.[religion|philosophy|politics] were
removed, and net.flame changed to a general net.discussion.of.opinions or
something like that, there would be less need to look elsewhere for groups to
cut.

I would like to say more, but I would rather be brief.
-- 

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