[Spooks] Spooks List

[Dale Gardner]

on 9/13/02 11:35 AM, Chris Smolinski at bcs@blackcatsystems.com wrote:

> Mitch,
> 
> Yes, we are all adults here. I'm sorry if I expect adults to be able to
> follow simple directions. I'm sorry if I get a little on edge after the
> one hundredth whine from someone who can't read directions and figure out
> how to unsubscribe from a list.
> 
> So to recap... visit this URL:
> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/spooks
> 
> Go to the bottom, enter your email address. At the next page, enter your
> password to unsubscribe from the list. Forgot it? (because you threw away
> the email you were told to not throw away?) Simple, ask for it to be
> re-sent to you. Don't throw it away this time. Type it in, and unsubscribe
> from the list.
> 
> Maybe I need to put this in big bold *flashing* type, 72 point, in red?
> Nah, that won't help either.
> 
> Chris
> _______________________________________________
> Spooks mailing list
> Spooks@mailman.qth.net
> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/spooks
> 
> -
> Visit http://www.spynumbers.com/ for complete information about Spy Numbers
> Stations

Heh. Before we married, my wife ran a help desk for a large insurance
company - for ten years. I was always astounded that she remained calm and
rational, as I surely would have ended up killing somebody in the same
situation. Running a mailing list is rather the same in many respects - you
have to accept that there is going to be a certain level of frustration.

In the interest of fostering peace and tranquility, allow me to make a
suggestion or two. Because, and please take this the right way, the list is
kind of a pain to get off.

As Mitch notes, the unsubscribe address is in the headers...so 90% of the
list population is never going to see it. And even if you do, it bounces
back for lack of a password.

If I follow the link at the bottom of the mail, I need to know what email
address I'm subscribed with and a password. (I have half a dozen, and yeah,
I know - you send it out once a month. I can't find stuff for my income
taxes, and you want me to keep track of an email about a mailing list??)

If I look at the email to see what my email address is, I find
spooks@mailman.qth.net. No help there.

And then there is the password. I did retrieve mine, but it took a handful
of emails...most people will end up sending a note to the list asking to be
taken off.

If you want to make it easier, in addition to including the link for the
admin site, go ahead and put the unsubscribe address right in the footer of
the mail. A few people will still miss it, but see my first point about
that...it's the nature of the beast.

And consider deep sixing the password - I'd think it's more trouble than
it's worth. If you want to avoid problems with people getting signed up
'accidentally,' send an opt-in message that has to be replied to to get on
the list. 

Happy emailing.

Dale

-- 

Dale Gardner  mailto:dale@marketfoundry.com