[Boatanchors] Re New Software

[Duane Fischer, W8DBF]

The new mailman system is nothing like the old majordomo system. The list
manager has very little purpose, quite frankly. The new system is almost
completely automated. For instance, it handles all bad mail addresses. If a
failed address meets certain pre-set criteria it is simply removed from the
subscriber list. The list manager no longer has to track them, remove them, add
them back and so forth. It also handles bounced mail messages, including
attempts to post to a list by a non-subscriber. It sends them a rejection and
explains why it was rejected, tells them how to subscribe and so forth. The list
manager no longer has to handle any bounced messages as he/she used to do. (YEA!
My mailbox is only got a couple, not a couple of hundred daily!)	
	
The new system is web site based, very very little is handled by e-mail. In
fact, some of it can not be done that way at all anymore. The burden of
administration has been placed on the subscriber, instead of a list manager.
However, the system is so automated that a subscriber should encounter very
little difficulty in handling their own subscriptions, holding mail while on
vacation or out of town, removing himself/herself from a list, setting up
multiple ISP accounts, turning the digest functions/options on or off and so
forth. The function of the list manager is now one of directing subscribers, or
potential subscribers, to the url, supplying them with prepared informational
materials, keeping a watchful eye, or in my case watchful ear,  on the list
traffic and once in a great while actually having to perform an admin type
function. (I could get to like this!) 	
	
Because of Alan Waller and Tim Miller having to move over 1,100 lists, and
because of a new T1 installation this Friday, several hundred lists were moved
practically overnight on Sunday. Including those managed by yours truly. This
was not the plan originally, but circumstances dictated immediate action. All of
the lists not running on the new servers by this Friday would go down, and stay
down, for at least four days. Because of the extreme volume of work that had to
be done, many things did not get done that will be done. Including setting some
of the list options, including the 'reply' function. 	
	
The new system does not have a configuration file like the old system did. I do
not have one that I can pick and choose options from as before. Because the
system is so highly automated, things work differenntly. It is going to take
some time for all of us to get used to a new way of doing things, including
those of us who manage these lists. So be patient, things will improve over the
next several weeks. 	
	
If Alan Waller had not moved these lists as quickly as he did, none of us would
have any of the lists operating as of this Friday. i am sure that would
displease many of you more than the temporary inconvenience of an option not
being set a certain way. When time permits, the lists I manage will be returned
to about the same style of operation as before. Until such time, I ask each of
you to please be patient, understand the complexity of these changes and do not
continue to complain on the lists. It accomplishes nothing. Time can only move
so fast and it won't get done any quicker by continuing to inflame the issue as
several of you have done repeatedly.    	
	
When the new system is fully configured and implemented it will work better for
all of us. A little discomfort along the way, yes. But the temporary
inconvenience or annoyance will be greatly outweighed by the benefits of this
new system. Thank you for your cooperation.	
	
Duane Fischer, W8DBF	
ListAdministrator