Stanton's analysis of "listmember abuse"

I have been peeking in on Nuvupsy [Jeff Schlaer and Martin Smith's other list at St. John's, on depredations of the psychiatric state]. One highly aware person there wrote me off-list: "I must say that I find Martin's postings to be offensive and grandiose, and that the actions you describe [on CD] fit quite neatly with the picture he is drawing of himself in his postings here. People are getting pretty nauseous from the atmosphere on NUVUPSY and I think from Martin's sanctimony. It seems like he is his own undoing as the listowner of an electronic ghost town."

I have, as a result of my CD experience and such observations of Nuvupsy, come up with an entirely new psychological syndrome, "listmember abuse," which is similar in its patterns and motivators to spousal abuse, to wit:

In this syndrome, one or more frustrated, self-important theoreticians in some area develop a list with a promising theme, placing themselves at its head.

Unlike usual moderators, who stand by and observe the proceedings, stepping in only if absolutely required, these owners dictate the direction, tone, and content of all discussions. Although the atmosphere on their lists is stifling and oppressive, this seems not to trouble them. In fact, if discussion becomes too lively or fractious, they immediately stifle it -- if needs be by expelling troublesome members. They welcome voluntary defections -- which is by far the more common exit route -- to rid the list of independent thinkers. They are not concerned with how many members belong or participate or members' satisfaction with the list -- that is not the list's purpose. The purpose is their own control and grandiosity -- "I'm the owner of a list dealing with the issues of controlled substance use or problems with the psychiatric state."