What is ADS-L?

[Jesse Sheidlower]

On Wed, Aug 14, 2002 at 11:17:06AM -0500, Matthew Gordon wrote:
> Jesse Sheidlower wrote:
>
> > Perhaps you misunderstand the purpose for this list, which is intended
> > for academic professionals and other serious linguists to discuss matters
> > of relevance to the English language in America. It is not supposed to be
> > a place where anyone can wander in and have any random comment addressed
> > at length by experts, regardless of merit.
>
> I disagree somewhat with Jesse's characterization of ADS-L. While I certainly do
> find it a valuable forum for discussing scholarly issues with fellow
> professional/'serious' linguists, I think that amateur linguists and
> non-linguists can also play a valuable role. There have been numerous questions
> of usage (e.g., do you say 'pantsing' or 'depantsing'?) to which nonlinguists on
> the list have offered useful responses. They also provide lots of data for
> people interested in Prestonian perceptual dialectology [ I wrote that mainly to
> impress DInIs].

Matt, by "other serious linguists" I meant to include the serious
amateurs whose contributions I have repeatedly praised in the past;
I agree that a great deal of useful information is shared on this
list by people who are not professionally engaged in linguistics,
lexicography, etc.

> By the same token, I think we professionals can provide a service to amateurs. I
> recall several inquiries from teachers and others seeking solid information on
> American English or linguistics in general. Wouldn't we rather they get it here
> than from the popular press or other sources they're likely to consult? Anyway,
> many posts from nonlinguists have prompted interesting discussions.

Well, yes, I'm sure we all agree that it would be better if
people got their linguistic information from linguists, rather
than from shouting out the window, "Hey, doesn't _posh_ come
from 'port outward, starboard home'? It does? Great!" The
question is whether the purpose of _this particular_ list is to
be a forum where such inquiries can be answered. While I think
it is appropriate, to a reasonable degree, others have noted
that various ADS members have left the list because of the
amount of general discussions.

> So, this academic professional votes that ADS-L SHOULD be a place where anyone
> can wander in and post comments or questions about English or language.  I think
> the key point in Jesse's post is that we are not obligated to address at length
> those comments that we feel don't merit serious consideration.

That's certainly the case. And I do want to make clear that despite
my comments about the possibility of closing the list, I do not
actually feel that this is necessary--I think that on the whole we
have a pretty good balance.

Jesse Sheidlower