Listowners-L Archives

Archiver > Listowners > 1998-07 > 0900334106


From: "Jo Thiessen" <>
Subject: Re: OPEN/CLOSED LISTS
Date: Mon, 13 Jul 1998 08:48:26 -0400


I think the primary reason for an open list is to allow list members,
subscribers, to post from whatever address they happen to be at when the
occasion arises. I send messages and even forward items from other people
when I'm online with AOL, though my subscription is via netcom.

The secondary reason is to allow other people to send messages directly. I
get a lot of questions from county web pages that should be directed to the
county mailing list. I tell the person they would be better off directing
the question to the list - but I don't assume they agree this is a good
idea. So it is up to them to post to the list address which I send along
with the suggestion to use the list. I also warn them that they need to
tell the list to respond to them privately since they are not subscribers.
Jo Thiessen

----------
> From:
> To:
> Subject: Re: OPEN/CLOSED LISTS
> Date: Sunday, July 12, 1998 6:25 PM
>
> In a message dated 98-07-12 18:09:57 EDT, writes:
>
> > Other thoughts?
>
> Personally I think a closed list is the only way to go. Do you REALLY
want
> discussion among non-members? Why? What does it add to have people
using
> your list to harvest information THEY want and not contributing anything
to
> it. Closed lists become much more like "family."
>
> In addition--you mention spam--well there is spam and then there is
spam--some
> spam comes from people who "pass through" your list just long enough to
> advertize their Web Page or Family Reunion, etc. They are really not
> contributing anything to your list. List members get tired of such
"one-shot"
> postings. They want discussion and sharing with other legitimate
researchers.
> You may not totally stop someone from signing up and making a spam post
and
> then unsubbing--but you sure go a long way toward eliminating it and
making it
> more difficult by closing a list.
>
> I can't even think of ONE good point about having an open list.
>
> Joan
>

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