the list

[Ben Ostrowsky]

I'm speaking up in order to remain a lurker.  I've been listening in for a
while, and would hate to lose the privilege of doing so -- but I'm not
interested in buying my way in.  I'm not a working linguist, but I don't
want my education to atrophy.

The concern about signal to noise ratio seems valid to me.  May I suggest
that, if it becomes necessary to restrict the privileges of non-members,
posting privileges be restricted to members?  This would allow the peanut
gallery[1] to benefit from the bits of wisdom that fall on the floor,
without actually getting in the way of your work.

I'm not even sure I understand the intended purpose of the list.  Is it
for posting transcripts of antedatings?  Is there a particular interest in
food terms?  I've contributed to Mike Christie's science fiction project
for the OED, and would like to hear about similar efforts.

Regards,
Ben

[1] I'm too young to know if this is an apt term -- I only know the phrase
    from the request "No comments from the peanut gallery".