Political Content in Ancient Languages Only
Political discussion is an important part of living in civil society, and the vigorous debate natural to a democratic society is one of the most valuable inheritances we owe to the classical world. Unfortunately, online discussion lists seem to attract those whose primary purpose is to forcefully impose their political ideologies upon others, as well as those who are unable to tolerate any expression of political views that differs from their own. This unfortunate state of affairs leads to the alienation of contributors who would otherwise have much to learn from one another, as well as a general tone of incivility which is not conducive to the conduct of healthy and productive discussion.
For this reason, the contributors to Classics-L have reluctantly adopted a guideline requiring all postings which express views regarding the political realities of the contemporary world be posted in a language and dialect that was in use some time before the death of Justinian (565 ce, which we use as a convenient terminus ad quem for the classical world; and any language or dialect which meets those criteria), and that contributors be prepared to provide the primary list owner with a translation (which can be verified by a third party if necessary) of any such posting into contemorary English upon her request.
Responsibility for Content Lies Solely with its Authors
Classics-L does not have moderators or editors. There are listowners and a technical advisor who maintain the list subscription settings and try to keep order, but they are not responsible for content on the discussion list. While particularly abusive and disruptive contributors will be dropped from the list, and contributors will at times be warned that they have violated certain content guidelines, there is no prior restraint exercised against list postings, and the list owners and technical advisor do not have any capability to recall postings once they have been sent or to alter any of the many online archives of Classics-L content.
Copyright on all contributions resides with the contributors. The list owners expect all subscribers to comply with any relevant laws in their jursidiction as well as that of Kentucky, and to abide by standard academic practices regarding plagiarism.
Each contributor is responsible for the content he or she writes. Once it is posted, it is permanent, and there’s nothing we can do to stop it.