ADMIN: An update on the threat to our groups

[bluesqueak]

An update on our previous ADMIN:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HPFGU-OTChatter/message/20409

We recently learned that two tables in the Database section of the
main list, "Birthdays" and "Recommended Reading" were deleted. We
have since managed to restore them from back-up copies. We have
reason to believe they were deleted by the disgruntled party or 
parties who threatened the HPfGU community. Sad and petty? 
Absolutely.

In order for us to protect the other databases, we have had to 
change the group settings. This means that the Database and the 
Files sections can't be open to members uploads. This has some 
implications for our members, as our Files section includes several 
sections (humour, essays) that members have always been able to add 
to themselves. [We've managed to tweak the database section; members 
can still add data to the databases.]

We would welcome your thoughts on how we can re-establish a files
section that allows member input without leaving files vulnerable to
the same kind of deletion that happened to our database section.
Please feel free to share your views on the Feedback list, or send 
an e-mail to the owner address.

Lastly, if your birthday is in the birthday database, please double-
check your entry.  We have observed some glitches in the restored 
version of the Recommended Reading database (which sometimes occur 
when databases are imported) and we wouldn't want to get anyone's 
birthday wrong. Of course, if your birthday isn't in the Birthday 
Database, feel free to add it in. [grin]

We do have some good news: we mentioned in a previous ADMIN that one
of our administrative lists had been deleted; fortunately, Yahoo
responded to our messages about this, and the admin list *was*
restored.

Pippy Elf
For the List Administration team