On 06/11/2008 03:08:59 AM, Rick Moen wrote:

> There you go:  One query to the help address, and he
has the
> listadmin's
> direct mailbox address -- which, by the way, anyone
who's ever
> subscribed to _any_ sort of standard mailing list
(e.g., Mailman)
> should
> be able to figure out without such help.

Well, no.  Not really.

Rick, your arguments are wrong.  Most people don't know
email headers exist, and of those that do very few
actually look at them.  Most also don't know of the
default mailing list administrative addresses,
methods for getting help via email, and the like.
They shouldn't need to, this stuff does vary from
list to list.

However, the conclusions you reach are correct.
(At least with respect to this list.)

Anyone who's used a list _should_ be able to remember
to _read_ the footer added to each mailing.  The one that
supplies the list's web page url.  Anyone who can't
figure out how to use the web page should contact
the addresses given on the page for help, not the
list.  Anyone who does email the entire list for
help should be directed to the list's web page.

Kindness would help in this regard.

FWIW, I like emails with a blunt tone.  They
are clear.  However the charm goes away when
the author's points are not entirely valid.
You risk curmudgeon-hood.

Regards,

Karl <kopmeme.com>
Free Software:  "You don't pay back, you pay
forward."
                  -- Robert A. Heinlein

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