JS>Perhaps it would help if Rick Walker (hi Rick!) would program instead of
JS>'CP digest' the keyword 'Throw away message'.
At first I declined responding to this post (actually I wrote a reply
and then deleted it) but since it seems to have started an unfortunate
thread I'll put in my opinion for what it's worth.
DM>i read with annoyance the contents of CP digest 610.
DM>in the subject listings there were no fewer than 5 with the subject
DM>of 'overwintering cps in the UK', so with excitement i scrolled down
DM>to them. imagine my horror when they were related to canada.
Yes, I too am terrified whenever the dreaded Canada is mentioned in a post!
:-)
DM>I would therefore like to add to Juerg's suggestion. NOT only should
DM>contributors put an appropriate subject heading, but also make it
DM>accurate!
And if they dare to talk about more than one subject in a single post, and
that subject is not included in the subject heading, death by firing squad!
Am I the only one slightly annoyed at the tone this discussion has taken? If
a person forgets to change the subject heading from "CP digest" in one post,
give him or her the benefit of the doubt, it's too late to do anything about
that particular post anyway. If you reply to it, just give it an appropriate
subject heading.
If a person sends a series of "CP digest" subject line posts, send them a
private email with your concerns, no need to clog up the list with a request
best directed at the individual poster.
If a thread has drifted from the original subject heading, change the subject
heading to make it accurate when you reply to it. If you are a third party
not sending replies to a particular thread whose subject has drifted, and it
is bothering you for some reason, privately email the contributors to the
thread. Seems simple enough to me. If you think following threads on this
list is tough, try joining a conference that averages 150 or more messages a
day, this place is a piece of cake!
For those of us who are veterans of FidoNet and mega flame wars, there's
nothing we can see here that is the least bit intimidating. However,
for novice members of lists, and even some of the long-timers, a string
of complaints about postings can be very off putting. After reading
this thread, combined with the recent verbal foodfight over Darlingtonia
and Canada, you don't have to wonder for long why some members might
think twice about posting here, they don't want to be subjected to all
the hassle.
My comments aren't barbs at any particular people, just reminders to everyone
that the more we can encourage people to post here, the more enriching it
makes the hobby for all of us.
Warmest regards,
Demetrios