[Spooks] list administrivia

[Dale Gardner]

on 9/13/02 1:35 PM, bam@flatland.dimensional.com at
bam@flatland.dimensional.com wrote:

> I used to run several mailing lists, but don't anymore, because it's
> not fun.
> 
> I offer the following advice to list members:
> 
Since Chris has asked that the topic be dropped, I'll resist the urge to
respond to your individual points. But since you gave me a bit of a lecture,
allow me to return the favor before I signoff.

It's probably good you stopped hosting the lists - your attitude seems to be
that if people are having a problem it's their fault. While that's
frequently true - adopting a judgmental, holier than thou attitude isn't
going to solve the problem. It won't do much for the way your users view you
either.

Especially on a list like this - where I suspect knowledge and experience
trend more towards RF than IT - you'll get a bit farther, and be happier, if
you make things as easy as possible. I made three suggestions:

- eliminate passwords

- include the actual unsubscribe address in the footer
(mailto:spooks-request@mailman.qth.net?subject=unsubscribe)

- either change the "to" address to the individual's email address (instead
of "spooks@mailman.qth.net") or include the address in the footer.

Chris indicates he can't do anything about the password. But frankly, on any
other mail software I've used the other changes could be implemented in
about 5 minutes. You can make things a bit easier for people, or you can
lecture them about their responsibilities and complain that they're stupid
for using the wrong software or not configuring it the way you think it
should be. I don't know about you, but I've always been a believer in the
adage that "you catch more flies with honey than vinegar."

Goodbye,

Dale

-- 

Dale Gardner mailto:dale@marketfoundry.com