Dear fellow listers -- Have you noticed that this list is all but dead? It's become a cause of discouragement and concern for me. List messages have dwindled to almost nothing during October. I have no idea why. About a week ago, as an experiment, I decided to stop posting anything myself, just to see what would happen. I was hoping that others would notice and begin to fill in the gaps. So what happened? Not much. We've had 4 posts to the list during that time, one of which was from someone who is not a subscriber. Those of you who have been here for a while know that I am the type of list admin who posts a lot (because I enjoy sharing with fellow researchers). However, it's not my responsibility to post most or all of the messages on the list. It's not my personal soapbox. At any given time, there are about 270 other subscribers here -- and this is your list as well as mine. But I have been wondering where you all are. It's true that we do have a core group of 12-20 "faithfuls" who post frequently (and I really do appreciate each one of you for this) but we also have many many subscribers who are seldom or never heard from. This list belongs to *all of us*. We are all responsible for it and need to nurture it. Being a list member means that each of us have the opportunity to share with others right now, today. But we can also lay down a "paper trail" by posting messages, so that others going through the list archives in the future will be able to find us. Without this "trail", there is no trace at all of you being here. A mailing list only stays alive and thriving when subscribers contribute to it. Without this, it dies. This one may be dying. But what's the cause? Of course, I realize that "real life" gets in the way of finding time to contribute but please ask yourself if setting aside a few moments about once a month seems too much to ask. I have made the decision to begin posting regularly again, as I have in the past. I just don't feel comfortable keeping silent. What will your decision be on this issue? Does anyone have comments or, hopefully, some solutions? Is there anything that can -- or should -- be done about this situation? What can I do, as list admin? I welcome suggestions. What can each of you do? Is this list a worthwhile resource? Perhaps not? My best to you all, Andrea (in my role as list concierge)