Re Main list ideas/problems

[Ali]

Whilst I am only speaking in my personal capacity, I would like to 
thank everyone for their constructive comments and criticism for the 
way forward.

IMO it would not be a good idea for veteran members to e-mail errant 
posters about their shortcomings. This is not because I don't think 
that you will do it very well, but there is a danger that one poor 
member would get loads of e-mails. I don't think that would be fair. 
Instead, please could you tell us via the owner e-mail address. We 
have now got a database in which we will record misdemeanours so 
that we can keep an eye on individuals. We will return them to 
moderated status if necessary.

I notice that several people have suggested closing the group to new 
members for a short period, whilst we get our act together. With 
respect, I don't think that a week would work. At the moment we are 
getting in the region of 20 -25 newbies a day. Over one week, there 
absence would not make sufficient difference to bring about the 
changes that you wish.

I am actually in favour of list closure for a period, whilst 
allowing newbies read-only status, this is something we have been 
considering but perhaps for a month.

For a long time, I have also thought it a good idea for all newbies 
to begin life with only read-only privileges. I'm sure that this 
would stop many of our "drive-by" posters - the sort whose posts you 
thankfully don't have to see, but which wastes alot of our time. 
However, as so many of you have said, many of us have personalities 
which means we would either not bother to join in the first place, 
or we would join, do nothing for a week, and then start posting. 
Again though, it is something that could be tried on a trial basis.

Please keep your ideas coming.

Ali