Open letter to the AAO Executive.
I understand Merv Richter of Eloquent Systems was previously contacted
directly in writing by the outgoing AAO President -- to clarify to
Eloquent and Mr. Richter that subscribers have voiced dissatisfaction
with Eloquent's AAOLIST commercially-oriented postings, and Eloquent's
not seeming to be willing to respect a line between
a) commercial speech / advertising, and
b) collegial exchanges about factors in archival work.
Notwithstanding this, it is apparent Eloquent/Mr. Richter are persisting
with such sends -- leading to a need to address the matter in another
manner.
As a remedy to this though, AAOLIST shouldn't face being backed-into
adopting a moderated format response, because of non-cooperation, in
reaction to persistent 'over the line' postings from a single source.
Given this situation, unless the AAO Executive declares a general policy
distinction re: excepting / rejecting such AAOLIST uses, the List users
could end up being subject continually to any persons' or organizations'
single or multiple unsolicited puff-pieces -- on any subject.
_______________________
In context, business enterprises, groups, and individuals regularly e-mail
George Brown College Archives -- the co-ordinates are readily available in
commercial directories, lists of institutional memberships, etc.
Similarly, Eloquent/Mr. Richter can also freely tap into these readily-
available information sources, to build up a commercial send list for
Eloquent.
If of no interest here, unwanted senders are simply put on the 'Junk Mail'
exclude list, and are blocked.
However, in the AAOLIST instance, to locally block incoming Eloquent
/Richter missives --broadcast through AAOLIST via the Eloquent ListServ's
subscription-- would mean losing all the other, wanted postings as well
-- effectively, an undesired 'unsubscribe'.
_______________________
In the circumstances, it appears appropriate now that the AAO Executive
i) declare a policy covering this situation, and/or to
ii) consider the removal of the Eloquent ListServ subscription to
AAOLIST, as well as, if deemed necessary,
iii) otherwise block Mr. Richter's use of the AAOLIST in the manner
he has persisted in doing for the purposes of promoting or
positioning Eloquent's commercial profile and/or business
activities.
Robert Macaulay, George Brown College Archives
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