A mailing list is a shared resource. It is a donation (in this case, by HUJI) of network and disk space resources for a purpose. This purpose is emobided in something called "the list's charter". It's a list of does and don'ts regarding what is, and what is not acceptable on the list.any way can the mailing list system drop Hebrew writen mail
^^^^^^^
or return them to the sender stating "no Hebrew allowed" ?
It is a strange idea to prohibit Hebrew on Israeli mailing
list instead of helping people configure their mail clients.
Linux-IL's charter is located at the FAQ at http://iglu.org.il/faq/cache/2.html, and was formed by means of a concensus between those list subscribers who decided to voice their opinion. Every so often, someone on Linux-IL, usually a well known name, posts an angry email suggesting something be changed in the charter. This happens, on average, once every half a year. One well known topic of dispute was whether the list should add "Reply-To" directing all replies back to the list. Another topic (raised by me) was whether the list should strip headers requesting read confirmation. Each time such a topic is raised, the topic is debated in the mutually respecting way between the list's members (read - a flame war ensues), and some conclusion is reached. Sometimes, the conclusion is even carried out (though I'm still waiting for the list to block read-confirmation, despite it being the agreed conclusion).
Now, here's the thing. While the topics mentioned above, as well as other (whether job offers are legit, for example) are repeating topics, non is so repeating as the question of whether Hebrew posts should be allowed or not. This topic was brought up again and again and again. Each time, the same answer is reached - Linux-IL is an English only list. Personally, I have used this fact to point people who speak little or no Hebrew at all to this list, and I know for a fact that so did other people as well.
This is not to say that emails with a bit of Hebrew are an absolute no-no. For example, occasionally someone has problems with Hebrew reordering, and posts a short sentance examplifying that problem. Nobody loses their heads over such things. However, sending entire emails in Hebrew is not acceptable on this list. It is against the list's charter, and forcing your way through is nothing short of an act of strong-arming your minority opinion.
It appears that one distinguished member of the Israeli LInux community, however, is reluctant to get this message. He is insisently sending, once every several months, a mail in Hebrew with no specific justification. Whenever people comment to him about this fact, he gets angry and accuses people of sharing classified information with the enemy, and other forms of betreyal (well, mostly other forms). I think Iftach's suggestion was merely an attempt for this list to protect itself from people determined to ignore it's charter.
Personally, I think there are better ways of doing such things. For example - instead of applying and overall filter, merely flagging repeated offenders as "require moderation" will do much better. Like I mentioned before, occasionally, some Hebrew is apropriate even on this list.
Shachar
-- Shachar Shemesh Open Source integration & consulting Home page & resume - http://www.shemesh.biz/
The opinions expressed in this mail are my own, and do not necessarily represent the opinions of my employer. Wait! I am self employed! Hmm...
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