[Drake] Replies: To the sender or to the list?

Sat, 07 Jun 2003 19:52:33 -0700

Stupid of me, but I didn't change the original subject before sending out this message.  Sorry for the repeat!

73 de Jim - AD6CW

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: [Drake] RE: SPR-4
Date: Sat, 07 Jun 2003 18:57:02 -0700
From: Jim Lowman <[email protected]>
Reply-To: [email protected]
To: jeffdrau <[email protected]>
CC: "Drake Listserver ( Thom )" <[email protected]>,"Drake Listserver ( QTH.NET )" <[email protected]>
References: <[email protected]>

FWIW, there are a couple of schools of thought on this issue.  Unfortunately, I have yet to hear a clear consensus to support either
side's point of view.  A dozen or so comments, at most, from either side does not constitute a statistical majority on a list of more
than 500 members; at least, not a compelling reason to change the status quo.

One argument is that the purpose of a mailing list is to disseminate information; therefore, all replies should be directed to the
list.

The counter to that argument is that sending all replies to the list often clutters it with exchanges that should be made on a
one-to-one basis.

The practical side (and this comes from a few years of administering more than 20 lists, each with its own "personality") is that the
Internet culture has changed with the opportunity for more of us to have access to this vast information resource.  Charitably put,
some members with many years of experience as a ham have relatively little experience with the Internet; some members are new to both
realms.

The current arrangement of the [email protected] is that replies are directed to the *individual* and not to the list.  I can
change that in a few minutes but, before taking that step, I would want to hear the following:

-- a vote, possibly accompanied by supporting comments, as to which configuration the list should be in, with a *significant* number
of the list membership weighing in, *and*

-- if the majority want the replies to go to the list, a commitment to ensure that *only* replies that need to go to everyone, go to
the list.
This means that, when replying to a message, the sender check the "To:" section of the header to be sure where his message is going.

For example, equipment is listed as wanted, for sale or trade frequently here.  In this case, replies to the *sender* would be
appropriate, as those parties (the other 500+ of us) not involved in the transaction are not interested in the dealmaking or the
outcome.

As a suggestion, please send responses directly to me, in consideration of those for whom this is not an issue.  I'll be happy to
post a summary to the list.

73 de Jim - AD6CW
List Administrator

jeffdrau wrote:
> 
> On questions that might be of interest to other list
> members, would it
> be a good idea to "reply to all" so everyone can benefit
> from the exchange?
> Just a thought.