[Tagging] where to discuss that topic (was: Names edits discussion)

[Brian M. Sperlongano]

I think we should be careful about throwing around participation numbers,
because that leads to comparisons between this space and other, much
larger, communication spaces on the project, a comparison which would not
put the mailing lists in a particularly positive light.  I would rather say
that all contributors are valuable, and their opinions are valuable, and
the value of the people and their opinions and contributions should be
respected, regardless of the communication medium that they choose to use.
Further, a consensus on any one medium is definitely not the same as a
consensus across the project as a whole.

There is also a great deal of self-segregation on the basis of location,
language, age, and geography that is reflected in the choices people make
as to where they communicate.  The Spanish-language majority opinion on the
Latin America Telegram channel may or may not hold any particular relevance
to tagging practices in New York City or Karlsruhe.

Suffice it to say, this list is just one communication space of which there
are many.  Naturally, those who hold it in the highest regard have more of
a tendency to feel that it's *the* communication channel of record on the
project.  I would consider that view to be as myopic as it is
self-reinforced.

On Fri, Aug 26, 2022 at 9:35 PM stevea <steveaOSM at softworkers.com> wrote:

> 651 readers of this list is "significant human worldwide mindshare"
> whether in the context of OSM or not.  In a "TV ratings" way of looking at
> it, that looks like a blip on a screen.  We, here, know it is not.  We,
> here, care about this.  This mail-list is yet another important "discussion
> place" in our project.  Let's be careful.  Thanks for the numbers, btw.
>
> If 35 original posters "engage" 651 readers, or 35 readers (by definition,
> we write the words! - but that means crickets are chirping) or "a big, big
> number of readers," we (still) don't know ("precisely," lest we argue
> forever) how much "influence" that means.  For now, for grins, to me, it
> feels like "a lot."  Truly?  Who knows?
>
> 35 posters, 651 readers.  Interesting.  I respect being one of the 35 as
> long as I am fresh, thoughtful and kind.  This tagging list is a good and
> useful place, I am honored to be here.  It's good we discuss what we
> discuss.
>
> I'd rather communicate than talk about communicating, but I do much of the
> latter, less of the former. So, later!
>
> _______________________________________________
> Tagging mailing list
> Tagging at openstreetmap.org
> https://lists.openstreetmap.org/listinfo/tagging
>
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