As much as I understand where you are coming from, controlling new subscriptions is not the way out. That will defeat one of the main purpose of the list. My take is that should a thread get out of hand everyone should just stop contributing to it and ignore it all together.
Whoever is found to be abusive can be given a blackout. Freedom should not be curtailed because of a few.

On Thu, Sep 10, 2009 at 1:19 PM, Philip Musyoki <pmusyoki@gmail.com> wrote:
Dear All,

So I have been thinking lately, the forum has brought together some of the most brilliant minds in ICT in Kenya and around. Which is all good, but now I think somethings are getting out of control. It has been a useful resource but all this is really getting lost is the myriads of abusive language some threads are taking.

Now the utility is being dimished by some people, or rather I think it is just one person who goes by many alias. To the moderators/administrators of the forum, it is possible to limit email distribution to those subscribed to the list, prevent cross-posting and somehow place some control on new subscriptions? Maybe you can adapt a by invitation only system where by new members will need to be invited by an existing member.

Soon, with the direction the language in this forum is taking, it will become a forum of no value like some other forums I know. Many people are now shying away from contributing for fear of being personally attacked by some characters.

Thanks.

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