On Wed 08 Apr, Katie Law wrote:

> Ahmad Risk writes:
>
> >Are you all exhausted or is the server down?
>
> presume server problems.
> It's a bit lonely without e mail isn't it!
> KT


The Mailbase server will automatically suspend service if it detects
more than 30 messages in an hour. This is to protect list members from
mailing loops.

Unfortunately, the traffic on GP-UK exceeded this level on Monday. The
problem was caused by multiple small "me too" type messages being sent
at a peak hour.

I enclose a copy of a message posted to the list last month, for
information.


Trims.


-- 
Dr Ian Trimble                        http://www.sherwood.demon.co.uk/
Sherwood Health Centre              
Elmswood Gardens                                 Tel: +44 115 962 4516
Nottingham     NG5 4AD                           Fax: +44 115 985 7899





A GENTLE STEER

The list owners keep a deliberately low profile, but every now and
then a gentle nudge on the rudder is required. GP-UK now has over 640
members and averages nearly 40 messages per day. As the volume of
traffic increases it becomes more important that we all observe the
list netiquette.

The Monthly Review of the list gives details. I realise this is over
long, and you probably don't read it, but I would urge you to keep a
copy and write over it each month - if only so you can remember how
to leave the list or suspend mail.


RECURRENT PROBLEMS:

- Bad formatting: Excessive line length, double spacing, and over long
  paragraphs make it difficult to read messages quickly. Good
  formatting increases impact.

- Excessive quotation. There is nothing more irritating than seeing a
  whole posting re-quoted followed by "I agree" and then a long
  signature file. If I see a big quotation I usually don't bother
  scrolling around for the reply.

- Attachments. There is seldom an attachment which everyone on the
  list can cope with. Its usually best to stick to good old-fashioned
  ASCII format.

- Over exposure. Multiple one-liners in response to several threads
  dilutes the impact of both the messages and the thread. I wouldn't
  wish to restrain our popular and enthusiastic contributors but
  there's a balance to be struck.

- Spam. There isn't too much of this yet - see the article in the
  March Review - but we're keeping it under review.

- Complaints. With such a big list we're bound to get mailing loops,
  ISP problems and occasional errors by list members, but I would ask
  you to be tolerant. Please contact the list owners rather than the
  list if you're having problems:

    [log in to unmask]


MAILBASE GUIDELINES

For more detailed advice on how to use Mailbase lists check out:

    http://www.mailbase.ac.uk/docs/guidelines.html

I urge you all to check out this page. It covers most of the items
above plus much of the stuff in the monthly review.


NEW WEB PAGES

The PHCSG and GP-UK web pages will be moving to:

    http://www.schin.ncl.ac.uk/phcsg/phcsg_hi.htm
    http://www.schin.ncl.ac.uk/gpuk/gpuk_home.htm

Please add these URLs to your Hotlist !


FINALLY

This message is not intended to put you off, but merely to make the
list work better for all of us.

Enjoy  ;-)


Trims.


-- 
Dr Ian Trimble                        http://www.sherwood.demon.co.uk/
Sherwood Health Centre              
Elmswood Gardens                                 Tel: +44 115 962 4516
Nottingham     NG5 4AD                           Fax: +44 115 985 7899





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