Please note that I have changed the list options from 'reply-to-sender' to
'reply-to-list'.
This means that, with most mailers, when you press the reply button on your
computer in response to a message from the radstats list the message will be
addressed to the radstats list.
Up until now the radstats list has been set to 'reply-to-sender'. It has
been quite common for members to send messages in reply to radstats list
messages to the sender - even where it appears that they intended that the
message should appear on the list. The LISTSERV software avoids this
problem by assuming that lists devoted to public discussion should be set to
'reply-to-list'. So the list options have been changed accordingly.
Please note also that message should be culturally addressed to the list and
not to individual members. You should *not* say in a message 'I think that
you (Joe Bloggs) must be off your rocker if you think that .....'. Rather
should you say 'Joe Bloggs contribution needs to be qualified .....' !!
Such a polite focus on ideas is actually likely to generate much better
discussion than message sent as if they were part of a no-holds-barred
private conversation.
You should note that if you wish to reply to the sender and *not* to the
list you should not use the reply button - unless you also copy the senders
email address into the 'To:' box, and delete the list address.
A further point. Many mailers are set to include the original message when
making a reply. For the sake of brevity, neatness, and saving on bandwidth
and the worlds forests, etc., please delete the original message - or all
parts of it that you do not wish to specifically quote - when you reply to
the list.
Happy New Year to all.
Ray Thomas (list caretaker)
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