It seems that a recurring point being made in the discussion of a
moderated rec.ponds is who is a member of rec.ponds and the criteria
under which a person can legitimately get involved.....of course it is
Usenet and a public group and anyone can express their opinion but let's
get down to the nitty gritty:-

1. Only people who own a pond are legitimate - no, because there are
people with an interest in ponds, either to build their own at some
point in the future, or even just because they like ponds and enjoy
reading about them.

2. Only people who post regularily on rec.ponds are members - no,
rec.ponds currently has 306 subscribers. Very few of these are trolls
and very few are regular posters. Conclusion would be that the majority
are lurkers - and have a legitimate interest in ponds. Therefore are
valid members of this group.

3. Only people who have been long-term posters on rec.ponds are true
ponders - no, think of lurkers again. I myself joined up to rec.ponds in
Jan 2004.....I'm sure that there are many others like me

4. Only those who's interest is solely ponds rather than anything else
aquatic are legitimate members of rec.ponds - no, there is a cross over
in interests

5. Only those people who actually have a pond have a right to join in
any discussions on ponds - no, a non-pond owner cannot only post to find
answers to their questions but they can also make a contribution to
other pond related conversations either by asking follow up questions or
expressing an opinion

I have seen all of the above mentioned in posts regarding who and who
shouldn't participate in a moderated rec.ponds either through discussion
here on rec.ponds or as to their suitability as a proponent of an RFD
for a moderated group and maybe as to their suitability as a
moderator....just wanted to make some general points on it....

Gill