Re: Evolution and ASA lists and noise

James Mahaffy (mahaffy@mtcnet.net)
Sun, 26 Sep 1999 15:13:38 -0500

In reply to: Stephen E. Jones: "Re: Evolution and ASA lists and
noise" Cliff Lundberg wrote:

Stephen E. Jones wrote:

>>4. How about the posts be addressed to the Reflector rather than to indiduals
>>(sort of like addressing the Chair at a meeting to cut down too-personal
>>arguments)?
>>
[snip Steve's suggestions to make the list more thoughtful]

>Thanks to Stephen for trying to make the list better!

I'm being repetitive here, but I really think #'s 4 & 5 above would be
addressed
by configuring the server so that the messages come with a header that
says
<Reply-to:evolution@calvin.edu>. This is a standard thing on mailing
lists and
is simple to put in if one knows what one is doing. There is a
configuration
file
somewhere on the list server and it just needs that one line added to
it. With
this header our mail programs will automatically address responses to
the list,
rather than to the author, as is presently the case. The <From:> line
will show [snip]

But having all replies go to the list is EXACTLY WHAT YOU DO NOT WANT if
the list is busy and a bit noisy - both of which I suggest is the case
with this list. On both ASA and this list there should be a lot of
messages that are really addressed to individuals that should NOT be
sent to the list. Of course if everyone is in the habit of doing a
group reply instead of an alias for evolution list, then the person who
posted will always get two replies in his e-mail. One from the
individual as a cc and the other directly to him.

I think Steve's point that we should put a bit more thought into posts
to the list to up the quality is a suggestion right on target. If we
just take a moment to ask if what we are posting is something of general
interest to the list and think a few minutes before posting the quality
of posts would climb.

-- James and Florence Mahaffy    712 722-0381 (Home)227 S. Main St.              712 722-6279 (Office)Sioux Center, IA 51250