In a message dated 1/19/2002 1:19:22 PM Central Standard Time, CMJPlayboy@aol.com writes: Cant the list administrater delete some of these that get replied to over and over again without changing subject line. if enough get removed maybe everyone will get the message. I have no idea how much I may have been able This list has a very able list administrator and I imagine that she will respond but I also manage some Rootsweb mail lists and thought I might put my 2 cents worth in. Hope you don't mind. This concern about the subject line is a concern on so many lists and causes so much discussion. You have all heard the old saying "you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink." As list managers we can post hints, advice, and even rules but we are not sitting right there with that person when those messages are typed. So much of what goes on with any list is dependent upon the folks on that list. You are right - it is so much better for everyone if folks would change the subject line to reflect the content of their message. They might get a better response and it would be helpful to others on the list. But... sorry... some folks just don't do it. As for your question about the list manager deleting any message with an incorrect subject line before it hits the list. That is possible in that the list manager can put this list on moderated status. That would mean that ALL mail would automatically go to the list manager - that manager would then have to read all the mail - make a decision concerning its appropriateness to the list - and then send it on to the list. Now let's think about that for a moment. You folks are upset because your mailbox contains messages with inappropriate subject lines and you feel that it wastes your time. Can you imagine what this would do to the manager's mail box and how much time the manager would need to take to do this? They deal with the folks who sometimes aren't too nice, they often get yelled at, they weed through all the spam aimed at the list and diverted by the rootsweb system, etc. all on a volunteer status. Putting the list on moderated status also means that the mail would not be sent until the list manager could read it. Thus it would be delayed. In my case, it would be each evening as I work. Most list managers deal with more than one mail list. They also have families and many work. I would hate to add the extra burden of moderating the list to our list manager's plate. So let's try again - here are some hints that might make your posting to any mail list more efficient. 1. Please change the subject line to reflect the topic. 2. It is helpful to put surnames in all caps. 3. Please include dates and locations if known. There are a lot of "Charles Martin" folks out there in various locations at various times. AND... thanks for listening. Take care - Emma