Re: Common Syntax for Automated Mailing Lists?

[Matti Aarnio <mea @ utu . fi>]

I do agree that newbies are a pain, especially in large numbers,
but that is how we started -- some have been faster learners, and
eventually went further.   That has marginal relevance on this
topic too:

One thing I have learned is that newbies do not know what is their
email address, and if they must enter it manually.
(It is bad enough when system mailer is misconfigured, and is unable
 to send FQDN addressed email -- or even receive it either!)


(out from the digest..)
> From: andrewp@itwhy.bhp.com.au (Andrew PRUSEK)
> Date: Tue, 15 Feb 1994 14:38:09 -0800
> Subject: Common Syntax for Automated Mailing Lists?
> 
> Hello all:
> 
> One problem that exists with mailing lists is that the proceedure to subscribe
> to them is very much dependant on the whims of the list-manager.
...
> Any ideas how to over come this?

  Not a very good one, but pointing out one reason why having to tell ones
email address won't work too well.

> Perhaps a format such as
> 
> body of message:
> 
> subscribe list-name email-address realname

  I do like  Revised Listserv's (that BITNET thing) style of:
	SUBScribe LISTNAME Real Name
as my experience is that when users are asked to enter the address
where they think they are receiving the email, they throw in all
kinds of wierd things..

> - ---
> Please add me to your list
> 
> 
> or a fill out this form and email it to xyz@abc

  That approach MIGHT work on some automatically managed systems.

> Any ideas?
> 
> thanks
> Andrew
> - --------------------------------------------------------------------------
>  Andrew PRUSEK                            Phone +61 86 40 4590
>  BHP Information Technology               Fax   +61 86 40 4720
>  PO Box 21 / Port Augusta Road            Email andrewp@itwhy.bhp.com.au
>    Common sense is not that common!             ADMD=TELEMEMO;C=AU

  True..

	/Matti Aarnio	<mea@utu.fi> <mea@nic.funet.fi>
			Postmaster, and this & that..