Dear Conch-L subscribers,

Since its beginnings in early 1996, Conch-L has been primarily a
self-moderated list.  Those of us who brought it into being envisioned a
place for shellers worldwide to meet and learn from each other, to find
help for their problems, and to trade shells and information, no matter
their nationality or specialty.  We have been very happy with the results,
which in a very large way are due to all of you, the list subscribers.

We realized at the outset that rules and guidelines would be necessary for
the peaceful and productive operation of such a list.  We were also
cognizant of the requirements of our generous host, the University of
Georgia.  Thus we formulated four rules.  They are:

1. NO Commercial Advertising (Very Important!!!)
2. NO Big Files or 'Attached' Files
3. NO Off-Topic Postings
4. NO Flaming

Rule #1 exists to satisfy UGA requirements.  UGA does not allow commercial
advertising, and Conch-L is not here to help individuals sell their
products.  We recognize that among our list subscribers are a number of
commercial shell business owners and valuable participants of the list.  We
would like to thank each of you for their understanding and cooperation in
following this rule.

Rule #2 exists because of viruses, and the problems large files can cause
for some subscribers.  We all need to remember some subscribers have
limited email space and have to pay for that space.

Rule #3 exists because each of our subscribers joined the list to talk
about shells.  While we may have other things in common, Conch-L is
specifically for the discussion of shell related topics.  Emails on other
topics should be either posted on another list or sent privately.

Rule #4 is there to keeps the peace.  Always remember that this list is
publicly archived.  Anyone, anywhere, at any time can read what you have
posted to the list.  Conch-L is not here to provide a place for individuals
to argue.  If you wish to argue, please do so privately.

When you subscribe to Conch-L you agree to abide by the above rules of
conduct.  We expect each subscriber will try his/her very best to abide by
the rules.

We also realized that there would occasionally be infractions of those
rules.  Every one of us makes mistakes.  Often the results of these
mistakes are embarrassing enough for the individual(s).  Thus we let minor
infractions go without comment.  We are aware these infractions annoy some
of us more than others, but to become inflexible would go against the open
and friendly spirit of the list.  When the severity of the offense warrants
it, private warnings have been sent to list subscribers.  Do not assume
that because nothing is posted to the list, nothing is being done.  It is
done privately so as not to embarrass anyone further.

Depriving the list of the ideas, knowledge or experience of a single one of
us is a loss we wish to avoid.  However, Helmut Nisters, who has been on
Conch-L for over two years, has violated every one of these rules
repeatedly and against the privately conveyed advice, pleas and warnings of
the list owners.  Helmut repeatedly promises to amend his ways and breaks
those promises almost immediately.  His actions have resulted in on-list
and off-list arguments and caused several subscribers to quit the list.  As
list owners we can not continue to tolerate his actions.  We have gone to
great lengths (we are aware some of you think those lengths have been too
great, and for this we apologize) to assure ourselves that this problem
cannot be resolved any other way.

Thus we have been forced to restrict Helmut Nisters from subscribing and/or
posting to Conch-L for a minimum of three months.  While this is within the
authority of list ownership, we sincerely regret this action. If any
subscribers wish to discuss this action with us please do so privately.
Far too much time and patience have been spent on this very off-topic
subject already.

Thank you all for your understanding in this matter and your continued
cooperation.

Sincerely,

Linda Brunner, COA/Lambis Liason and Conch-L List Owner
Amy Edwards, Lambis Group, Conch-L Manager and Conch-L List Owner
Gary Rosenberg, Lambis Group and Conch-L List Owner
Lynn Scheu, Lambis Group and Conch-L List Owner

Amy Edwards, Program Coordinator ------ [log in to unmask]

Georgia Museum of Natural History    --------    phone (706) 542-4137
University of Georgia            --------            FAX 706-542-3920
Athens, GA 30602-1882       --------       http://museum.nhm.uga.edu/
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"A man's mind, stretched by new ideas, can never go back to its original
dimensions."             Oliver Wendell Holmes