Today, I requested that RootsWeb change the status of BLANCHARD-L from an 'open' to a 'closed' list. This was in response to a message on the Listowner's List from Tim Pierce at RootsWeb, who presented a convincing argument for having all the lists operate as 'closed' lists. In fact, RootsWeb is contemplating changing all lists to 'closed' since they believe that 'open' lists are more susceptible to the spam attacks that we all would like to avoid. All new RootsWeb Mail Lists are set up as 'closed'. It is not clear just how much difference this will make on BLANCHARD-L but I decided we should follow the request. As a 'closed' list, only subscribers will be permitted to post messages. As List Owner/Manager, I can add addresses to the "accept" list for anyone who contacts me and has a convincing argument for why they would want to post but not subscribe. Also, if a subscriber needs to be subscribed under two addresses, one at home and one at work for example, I can add the second address. If someone, not on the subscriber or accept lists, posts a message to BLANCHARD-L, RootsWeb will notify me and I will contact that person to inquire about their interest in our List, explain the nature of a 'closed' list and suggest they subscribe. If they do not wish to subscribe and I decide the information they want to post would be valuable to our research, I can either put them on the "accept" list or forward the message to the List so you may benefit from it. I also changed the setting for our List so that only subscribers can access the List Archives via e-mail. Fletch