Hi All, Part of my responsibility as administrator of this list is to try to ensure we stay on topic. As I have said, I give a lot of leeway. When I see something off-topic (smiley central, as an example) I do step in. What is "on topic"? The web page states the topic of the list is: A mailing list for the discussion and sharing of information regarding basic computer operating tips and trouble shooting guidelines for genealogy researchers My interpretation of the above is that we can discuss just about anything concerning computers (regardless of OS) so long as what we are discussing can potentially help us in our genealogical research. With respect to our fellow subscriber, Art, who I unsubbed - there is more to the story than meets the eye. We have been e-mailing back and forth. One of Art's questions was: "Does your friendly reminder mean that questions NOT directly related to genealogy should be ignored or go unanswered?" My reply was: "I'm a fairly easy going guy and let a lot slide... If someone does post a message not within the scope of the list feel free to respond privately to them." Less than a day later, Art posted his message with subject: Off Topic Information. Now, if you believe your information does not fall within the scope of the list, why post it without verifying with the admin if it is appropriate? Truth be told, I would have let the message through without comment. My message to Art after I unsubbed him: "..... you never asked me what my course of action is for people who post off topic messages ..... "I unsubscribe them, as you have no doubt discovered after your "Off topic" message to the list this evening..... Feel free to re-subscribe.... ;-)" If I really felt Art's contributions to the list were minimal, or if he was causing trouble, I would not have permitted him to resubscribe. You may not always agree with my thought processes or my decisions, the fact is it is my responsibility to ensure the discussion of the list stays on topic. End of discussion please - replies to the list will be considered off topic. Thanks! Ken Quinn, List Admin ----- Original Message ----- From: <SkarletteKY@aol.com> To: <GEN-COMP-TIPS-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Thursday, August 12, 2004 5:38 PM Subject: Re: [Gen-Comp-Tips] Topic of this List > Oh my gosh....I had promised myself that I would not write to this list > again, but I have to have my say. I'm pretty new to this list, and I'll be the > first to say that most of the time I have no idea what anyone is writing about > when I read the e-mail. I'll also be the first to say that I'm computer > illiterate. What I have noticed, though, is that Art and Lance address many of the > problems. They both seem to have much knowledge when it comes to the computer. > > > So what if the topic isn't something that I'm interested in. How long does > it take to read these e-mails?? Seconds. Then hit the delete. It's as simple > as that. Another list I subscribe to has someone constantly sending links to > pictures of headstones in Texas. I have no family buried in this cemetery. > Do I get upset? No I don't. I simply delete. Not everything that comes into > my mailbox is something I'm interested in. But once in a while, something or > someone I can relate to sends something to the list I subscribe to. > > Life is too short to sweat the small stuff. With all that is happening in > this world, why can't we just accept that we're all different....and each of us > has our own needs. Let's just accept each other for what we are. Good > people!!! > > Vicki Billings > Winchester, KY > >

Ken Quinn wrote: > > > "..... you never asked me what my course of action is for people who post > off topic messages ..... > > "I unsubscribe them, as you have no doubt discovered after your "Off topic" > message to the list this evening..... Feel free to re-subscribe.... ;-)" > Ken, rather than unsubbing someone who posts what you feel are OT messages, just put them on "Reject". They can post but their messages will come to you and you can redirect ot forward the message to the list. When you decided they are staying On Topic then take off the reject list. bob gillis

Excellent advice, Bob, and it certainly would have saved a lot unnecessary angst. I just hope it is implemented. Lance -----Original Message----- From: bob gillis [mailto:rpgillis@bellatlantic.net] Sent: Friday, 13 August 2004 22:05 To: GEN-COMP-TIPS-L@rootsweb.com Subject: Re: [Gen-Comp-Tips] ADMIN Topic of this List Ken, rather than unsubbing someone who posts what you feel are OT messages, just put them on "Reject". They can post but their messages will come to you and you can redirect ot forward the message to the list. When you decided they are staying On Topic then take off the reject list. bob gillis --- avast! Antivirus: Outbound message clean. Virus Database (VPS): 0433-3, 2004-08-13 Tested on: 14/08/2004 10:54:48 AM avast! - copyright (c) 2000-2004 ALWIL Software. http://www.avast.com