Date: Wed, 2 Oct 1996 15:07:14 -0400 (EDT)
Subject: Re: m2--PLEASE READ


OK, a bit of clarification is in order.  First, about the general 
structure of the l*sts in the new marxism space:

There will be a general list called marxism-general, which will be 
unmoderated.  There will also be a wide-ranging list called 
marxism-international, moderated by Zeynep, Jon Flanders and Louis 
Godena.  Then there will be a number of smaller, more focussed lists.  We 
still, by the way, welcome ideas and proposals for projects that people 
have that might work in list form.

Some of the smaller lists currently in the process of emergence are 
marxism-feminism, marxism-and-sciences, marxism-theory, 
marxism-psychology, marxism-modernity etc.

These are not at all to be mutually exclusive.  We hope that there will 
be cross-fertilization between these different lists, and that people 
will join up with as many or as few as they can and are interested in 
participating in.  Think of it perhaps as a marxist buffet?  Some people 
will want to have a bit of everything, others are in more of a hurry or 
less hungry etc.

marxism2 *will* disappear.  This is for a couple of reasons: 

i.  we really did want to start this enterprise from scratch
ii. though m2 has created something of a community, its "charter" (such 
as it is) is vague and doesn't really make sense without the simultaneous 
existence of marxism[1], to which it was originally counterposed (as 
supplement and contrast).

However, we do think it's important that the kinds of discussions that 
interest those on m2 will continue; we expect that they will do so on 
marxism-and-sciences and marxism-theory above all (though maybe some will 
also be interested in the other emerging lists--marxism-feminism or 
the suggested post-marxist and marxism-culture lists, for example).  
Again, I want to emphasize that in no way are these to be mutually 
exclusive--we just don't want to think only at the level of the lists, 
but in terms of a broader conception of a marxism space.

Anyway, so I hope these clarifications help.  

Thus marxism2 is not simply to be "renamed" marxism-theory, although this 
list (which currently Chris S and Jukka are helping to form) will cover 
many of the topics of interest to those on m2; however, other lists will 
also stimulate the discussion of topics that may *not yet* have been 
discussed here.

One other thing: we do also wish to encourage different sorts of 
projects, believing lists can be used in a variety of ways, and that 
sometimes a topic-centered approach isn't the best.  We think that these 
lists can be used well with focussed *projects*, which may be short of 
long-term.  

Thus, for example, why not have a list to interview people who've recently
published interesting books on marxian issues, or who are active in
particular organizations.  These people may not have the time to be online
permanently, but they might agree to be part of a short-term discussion
with the international aspect that the internet allows.  Or, a list might 
be used for a reading project (a collective reading of X in a definite 
and limited time); or in association with a specific publication (I know 
Doug has plans for a list associate with LBO, though this may not be with 
the spoon marxism space): or etc. etc...

We want to encourage and promote any such uses, experimental or 
otherwise, of the marxism space that people find helpful and stimulating.

Take care

Jon

Jon Beasley-Murray
Literature Program
Duke University
jpb8-AT-acpub.duke.edu
http://jefferson.village.virginia.edu/~spoons


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