From: "hans despain" <DESPAIN-AT-econ.sbs.utah.edu>
To: marxism-AT-jefferson.village.virginia.edu
Date:          Fri, 29 Mar 1996 22:23:38 GMT-700
Subject:       Re: Announcing marxism2 list (fwd)


i support Hans Ehrbar's comments.

although i also continue to support the creation of second marxism 
list, i too will not unsub this one.  i feel it important that all of 
us attempt to communicate with one another, but do not believe a 
second list impedes this communication.

however, i do maintain that the current environment has very much 
discouraged more theoretical discussion.  there seems a need (which 
is not necessarily new, or caused by the PCP members) for a second 
list which will provide a better environment for theoretical 
discussions.

i am in agreement with Hans E. that many of the current "working 
class" members can benefit from "a meaningful discussion with the
many highly sophisticated intellectuals on this list, this would be an
important step forward."  moreover the "sophisticated intellectuals" 
can learn something from the "working class" and revolutionaries, 
for better or worse.  

however this type of interaction should not drown out other 
discourse.  so far it has!  worse people are unsubbing, whereby there 
is no interaction.

Hans E. suggested that the list has had a great unifying effect on 
its members, this is not always the result.  and i am much more 
pessimistic about the vitality of this list.  these lists are quite 
fragile, and the types of discussions that emerge are very much a 
function of the (virtual) community fabric, which is determined by 
the social relations involved.  this list has always been on the 
verge of crisis. it is my hope that a second list will help and not 
hinder our efforts.

it is especially this list that suffers from very disurptive 
intrusions from new members that have a very low regard for the 
existing fabric. this is something (imo) quite unique to marxism, 
something the second list will not be immuned.  moreover, this is not 
specific of the PCP members.

finally, it is my opinion that one posting a day is too restrictive.  
why not allow for two or three a day?

i applaud everyone in attempting to resolve these difficulties.

hans d.



*****************************
hans despain                *
University of Utah          *
despain-AT-econ.sbs.utah.edu   *
hans.despain-AT-m.cc.utah.edu  *
*****************************


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