Re: off topic messages

[Russell Smith <russell@RUSTYSMITH.COM>]

>I was tempted to complain about the cat message but knew I would spend
>the rest of my week answering angry messages.  This is supposed to be a

>moderated list, How did this message get through.


  LM_NET is an unmoderated list for postings which is not unusual
considering the huge member list. Postings appear instantly as opposed
to hours or days later on a moderated list (like the sister EDTECH list
which I enjoy very much, but at times I hate the long wait before a
followup appears). LM_NET owners and the climate committee moderate
after the fact...if it's a serious transgression they will ban the
member. Sometimes for minor issues a private note to the poster is sent
(OK...I've received a couple myself since 1992). *;-)

  I myself have been guilty of OFFTOPIC postings several years ago.
Since I started the Topic header idea years ago (and still bear the
scars of that list controversy) I think LM_NET has benefited from the
voluntary use of descriptive headers. Many lists and web forums also
have a topic reserved for OFFTOPIC postings and I think it's a fun idea
myself. But then 14,000+ members would have a good squabble over adding
that to the voluntary list that currently exists.

  As a public service announcement here are the current recommended
Subject header topics for LM_NET:

       TARGET:   request for information to be compiled for a HIT:
          HIT:   the compiled information from the TARGET request
        ADMIN:   restricted for official messages from the listowners
        GREET:   for requests for greetings
         TECH:   for PC & MAC software & hardware discussions
          REF:   requests for all types of reference questions
          GEN:   anything that doesn't fit the other categories
         JOBS:   postings of job vacancies
         ELEM:   postings for kindergarten to 5th grade topics
       MIDDLE:   postings for middle school topics
          SEC:   postings for secondary grades (9 to 12)

     Examples::
            Subject: GEN: Special movie on PBS tonight
            Subject: REF,SEC: Info on World War II
     When in doubt about which to choose, pick GEN:

I find them very useful myself since I typically will respond to the
TECH queries. With over 2,000 messages a day running into my various
email accounts I find Subject filtering a big help in deciding which of
my many listserv messages to read. YMMV.

All the best,


Russell Smith
Edtech Consultant, Journalist
Region 14 Education Service Center
Abilene, Texas  915-675-8659
http://www.rustysmith.com

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