To: Walter Logeman Subject: Usage guidelines for NETDYNAM From: "L-Soft list server at St. John's University (1.8c)" Date: Tue, 29 Apr 1997 03:17:08 -0400 Welcome to NetDynam - The Network Group Dynamics Mailing List You have been added to the NetDynam list. NetDynam was started in October of 1995 by the late Matt Merkley M.D. for the purpose of examining the online experience. Dr. Merkely's original vision for the group was as follows: This is a list dedicated to an examination of online group dynamics: the purpose will be to examine the process itself of writing through listservers -- perceptions of the other participants, the dynamics of flame wars, power and persuasion, what is effective communication and why.... This will ideally be done in an atmosphere of mutual support and trust but it -- emphatically -- will not be group psychotherapy. The purpose of the list will be the search for dynamic principles of online mailing lists in general. The operation of the list will be as open and non-directive as possible, based on the Tavistock model of group dynamics projects where rules and explicit expectations are initially kept in abeyance so that they may emerge, be examined and formulated, spontaneously. Dr. Merkley died in the spring of 1996; however, Netdynam continues. The list has evolved into a bit of an anomaly in the listserv world. Netdynam neither provides its subscribers with a constant flow of useful information, nor does it provide a forum for the kind of discussion that contains itself within a particular set of assumptions and terminologies. What Netdynam does is permit you to join an online group that examines and reports upon the psychological, social, philosophical and aesthetic aspects of being part of the internet community. The learning that goes on at Netdynam lies largely in the experience of becoming part of the group itself. Thus, you must keep common expectations regarding email groups in abeyance, and reading the list for a period of time prior to introducing yourself to the members is highly recommended. Much of the conversation on Netdynam is associated with the fields of psychology and group dynamics; however, you cannot always expect concepts taken from that discipline to be accepted uncritically. Subjects that have occupied the group in the past include - Fantasy, projection and regression in online communications - Narcissism in posting behaviors - Community building in the electronic forums - The applicability of the work of Wilfred Bion to the behavior of online groups - The nature and development of online personal relationships - Linguistic and semiotic models of online communication - Psychoanalytic theory and its relation to online behaviors Although intellectual and analytic discussion of the above issues occurs with some regularity, much of the activity involves members reporting upon their very personal reactions to the group and the people in it. The group does not value scientific detachment above other more subjective approaches. Those who have experienced Netdynam have reported it as being anxiety provoking, intimidating, boring, navel gazing, addictive and educational at a gut level. You may have one, more, or none of these reactions. It is not for everyone, but for some it becomes a worthwhile and long term experiment in the study of email culture. To post a message on the list, send mail to: NetDynam@maelstrom.stjohns.edu All commands regarding subscriptions and the archives should be sent to: listserv@maelstrom.stjohns.edu It is possible to subscribe to the list in index (table of contents) and digest (one mailing with all messages for the day). This can be accomplished by sending mail to listserv@sjuvm.stjohns.edu with the message: SET NETDYNAM INDEX or SET NETDYNAM DIGEST Archives of NetDynam mail items are kept in weekly files. You may obtain a list of files in the archives by sending either of the commands: INDEX NETDYNAM or GET NETDYNAM FILELIST to the listserver. Archived messages are accessible only by current subscribers, but subscription to NetDynam is public (unrestricted). To leave the list send either of the commands: SIGNOFF NETDYNAM or UNSUBSCRIBE NETDYNAM to the listserver. More information on listserver operation and commands can be obtained with the message: GET LISTSERV REFCARD If you have any problem or would like more information about the NetDynam list, please contact: oro@teleport.com (Orrin Simon Onken)