Ok, so maybe I'm a cynic but I think most "Lists" are for degenerates with empty lives praying on vulnerable and naive souls. I hope it's a matter of misfortune or just bad luck in coming across inappropriate Lists.
As suggested in Module 2 notes I visited http://lists.topica.com/ with an open mind to join in on a "List". I then clicked on one of the subjects, Art & Design, then I proceeded to Digital Art Solutions which was described as Tips, news, and info for graphic professionals. So what did I find listed out of the 5 possible groups I could make a valued contribution, 5 pron sites. My first instincts were proven correct. Now I'm all for free speech, but, the web needs to be cleaned up, there's way too much crap about. If I was an alien with superior technology scanning the universe to find intelligent life and I came across the web from the planet Earth, I really would think it was Planet of the Apes -20%.
However, I must not paint all Lists with the same broad brush.
So I tried again, this time I selected the Astronomy Digest, written in its description was a length list of vulgarity, porn sites again.
The third go was a little better, I joined a photography List and I will report back soon.
However, I refuse the believe all Lists are as narcissistic or hedonistic as the people who contribute at http://lists.topica.com/. This site is a spawning ground for the devils work. Why would you waste time on people you just can't trust and where everything comes into question over the information that's being broadcast. If the academics say you can't trust Wikipedia, why the hell would you be bothered with an unmediated service. So if the very nature of truth comes into question and deception is an everyday occurrence for this site, how can this be a worthy experience.
In the end cyber-relation creeps into normal life, very slowly but surely. Sites like http://lists.topica.com/ are the asshole of the web.
Sterile list of Pros:
- communicate with a broad group of people inexpensively
- efficient method of dispersing information to members
- still waiting to find another
- not good for communicating on an individual to individual basis
- mishandled email list can be sold to spammers
- unmediated content can quickly go bush (go off track) and be a complete waste of time
- poorly run group will just become a pain in the ass and clutter your Inbox when in content degrades into rambling conversations.
Creative list of Cons: a very apt word for this type of Lists
- lists are like the Catholic church, one way communication. Dictating their doctrine views without listening to the followers. see ABC Compass
- breading ground depravity (like a very nasty rash or venereal disease)
- easy to broadcast your thoughts to similar pervert and create a community of would-be sex offenders
- induce misconceptions and deceit
- powerful tool to incite hatred and racist groups KKK, http://www.christianconcepts.net/informat.htm or the Nazi Party, http://www.americannaziparty.com/index.php. Call me paranoid but I have not directly linked these sites as I have no wish for these types of people to have a look at their referral list and see my details. So if you would like to view these sites then copy the address and past it into your browser.
groups. These can work in a very powerful way when used to better ones self.
Are there certain kinds of communication or purposes more suited to one than the other?
I find the Listserv that I subscribe to predominatly tend to be one-way communications, receiving newsletters and information for use in hobbies, finance or sport. The information that I read from a list I may like to act on but I will very rarely contribute to.
Discussion boards are used for more of a two-way communication, listening and contributing to the posts and threads. There is usually a mediator to oversee the content and by their very nature tend to be more respectful, considerate and stay targeted to the purpose it was created for.
OK, maybe not all List are bad, I think I will need to investigate further.
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