e-mail discourse question

[Jennifer Nyland <jnyland@u.washington.edu>]

I was wondering if you could help me answer a question.  I am nearing the 
end of a quarter long study of e-mail discourse, and I have been 
attempting to come up with my own conclusion to the following question 
when I thought you may have a better answer than I do.

My question follows some observations I have made about the differences 
between discussions on wcenter and mbu-l.  It seems to me that wcenter 
people have more fun and feel free to make jokes at their own 
discussions.  I have also noticed the inclusion on inside jokes in your 
discussions that would not be understood by newbies.  For example I came 
in during the middle of your discussion on fiats and still haven't 
figured out what the fiat was supposed to stand for.  I'm , 
however, particularly referring to the discussion of 
tutors writing on students papers that occurred about a month ago.  Your 
comments ranged from tutors wearing boxing gloves and protective headgear 
to melting down magic markers that were used to write on students' 
foreheads.  This interests me because I have seen no such joking around 
on mbu-l and I wonder if it would be at all welcomed there.
Some of you may be subscribed to both lists and could provide some 
insight into why the atmosphere (or how that atmosphere was created) 
allows you to deviate from the seriousness of the discussion on wcenter 
and enjoy such fun chats with friends.  
Thanks for your help.
Jennifer