Re: [cobalt-users] PLEASE READ -- IMPORTANT LIST CHANGES

[Jeff Lasman <jblists@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Erica Douglass wrote:

> -- what should/should not be added to the FAQ for the list;

Is there a real FAQ for this list?  Where?  The only one I know is the
MetaFAQ hosted by Dom Latter.

> -- should REPLY be set to the list or to the person who originally sent
> the post? Right now it is set to list, but "original poster" is default
> and recommended.

The "default" (as discussed in an RFC years ago) allows people to reply
to "sender" to reply privately, or to "all" to reply to the list.

Unfortunately with today's users that's not at all intuitive, and many
replies end up getting sent to individuals that would have benefited the
entire list.  I recommend leaving it the way it is; almost every list I
belong to, and all I host personally, are set to send replies to the
list.

If the reply-to is changed, the list will see a lot less traffic, but I
think it will be the poorer for it; it'll see mostly questions and not
answers.

I belong to one list that requires that as a list-member you get replies
directly to you, but when your question is answered you're required to
write a summary of all the helpful replies you've gotten.  I'm not sure
our membership wants to take the time to do that.

Another list I belong to, the majordomo list, sets replies to sender,
and I always mistakenly send replies to individuals that I later realize
should have been sent to the whole list.

I think (and I hope I'm not alone) that a spirit of community is more
easily fostered when replies are to the list.

> Is there someone who knows enough about Mailman to know
> how to set it to both? Any mailing list owners out there who can share
> input as to what is the best method and why?

I own lists, I run lists, but I'm a majordomo guru.  In fact I've even
figured out how to set up a separate majordomo on the RaQ, so people can
have lists exactly as they want them without endangering the RaQ list
setup.  I've already given you my input as to methods.  What do you mean
by setting it to both; do you mean setting it up so that the individual
and the list will get the mail?  That's what happens when people select
"Reply to all" if the list is set to reply to sender.  However, in my
opinion, that's a waste of bandwidth; why send the same message to the
same address twice?  That's my least-used method of answering.

Just my .02 worth <smile>.

> Thanks for your input. And don't spam the list if you just have a couple
> URL's -- change the reply to me only... corky@xxxxxxxx

We won't argue whether that's spamming the list or not <smile>.  I think
it's perfectly acceptable behavior; I think Dan might disagree <smile>.

Jeff
-- 
Jeff Lasman <jblists@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Linux and Cobalt/Sun/RaQ Consulting
nobaloney.net
P. O. Box 52672, Riverside, CA  92517
voice: (909) 787-8589  *  fax: (909) 782-0205