Great minds think alike!   I have also been noticing that more and more people seem to post to the whole list rather than the sender, and was about to email as well. 

What's the issue?

Some email lists, such as the Museums Computer Group, are set so that hitting Reply sends to the whole list.  

The GEM list is set so that Reply sends only to the sender.  This is because the list has well over 1000 members, some of whom don't like getting lots of mail that is not relevant to them. 

I just phoned one of the people who replied to the whole list in response to a query to ask why he did this and he said that because he was reacting to a reply to the query.  The original sender's email was not to hand, so hitting Reply All ensured the response would get back to to original sender. 

Some people also seem willing to reply only if they feel that others will appreciate the fact that they taken the time to do so.   Also it can be a way of reminding people you are still around offering certain services or advice.   All this is understandable, and I wouldn't want to reduce the chance of people hearing responses to their query.  

So in summary: this is not a big deal, but it can be annoying when everyone posts everything to the whole list.  

So what should we do?

I suggest:

1.   When you ask for responses, please say "Reply off list to me"

2.  When you reply to someone, please Forward the message directly to them.   

Best wishes

Martin

GEM list owner

From: List for discussion of issues in museum education in the UK. [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Kerr, Ruth
Sent: 17 November 2008 14:07
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Polite Request

Dear GEMmers

When replying to requests etc. on the list, please could everyone make an effort to gp back to the way we used to work, which is to use "reply" to correspond with the individual rather than "reply to all" and send everyone your message.

If someone wants to see responses, it's easy enough for individuals to ask for a copy from the person who posted the query.

Thanks

Ruth Kerr 
Senior Education Officer
Learning, Access & Interpretation Team

Chilcomb House, Chilcomb Lane,
Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 8RD
T 01962 826735   F 01962 869836
Hampshire Museums & Archives Service
Department of Recreation and Heritage
Hampshire County Council