Dear Sandra, Merry Ann, and List: I have to say I have agreed with points made by both of you. However, without sounding or coming across as being contentious, here's my two cents: 1. To cut down some of the e-mail volume, maybe in part due to being subscribed to various lists, whenever possible ALWAYS (emphasis only) subscribe in digest mode. It would drive me nuts if I got beaucoup e-mails, especially like a Franklin Co. or even larger list. I prefer the digest mode, when available, I scan the subject line, read what I want, and then delete the whole thing at once. 2. I too report spamers, as you suggested Sandra, but am wondering if it's worth it. They have learned how to like, conterfeit the URL (?) and ISP address line, you know like the @yahoo.com, @hotmail.com, etc. So does it do any good to make reports to abuse@? 3. Although I occassionally enjoy stories and quips like the one Carol forwarded from Dorothy, I do think we need to stick to genealogy. I really hate the virus alerts on the list. But on the whole we can enjoy the occassional story, if it relates to genealogy--let's have some fun once in a while and enjoy the list. Well, that's my three cents. Best wishes to all. John S. ______________________________ X-Message:    #6 Date:    Thu, Dec 28, 2000, 1:47pm From:    "Sandra Ferguson" <ferg@intelos.net> To:    OHBELMON-L@rootsweb.com Subject:    [OHBELMON-L] SPAM Internet providers recognize that SPAM is an increasing problem as we all know, and ask our help, as recipients of unwanted and unsolicited emails. They WANT to know what is being sent, illegally, using their service. It's easy to do, and simply deleting these does NOTHING to try to correct the problem...it's akin to simply looking the other way, rather than trying to help alleviate the growing problem. So, here's how to do it. (1) sent any unsolicited email ( you know the kind; those selling herbal viagra, offering copy supplies, home mortgages, etc) ANYTHING you didn't send for to : abuse@mail.com (2) send it also to the provider; if the message comes through AOL.com then hit Forward message, and type in abuse + the address the email came from; in the case of something using AOL then type, in the To; abuse@aol.com   believe me, they WANT to know, and simply ignoring the problem will only allow it to get worse....so, don't be apathetic...do something to help! -----Original Message----- From: Merry Ann Simmons <sams@primenet.com> To: OHBELMON-L@rootsweb.com <OHBELMON-L@rootsweb.com> Date: Thursday, December 28, 2000 12:10 PM Subject: [OHBELMON-L] Cousin Remus Starr What part of that was spam? I found it interesting and it did provide genealogy facts. Lighten up and use your delete key. The endless bickering has ruined other good list sites since others get tired of it and quit. 10 spam a day isn't bad. I receive 127 emails a day and don't even waste my time reporting the spam, just delete it. Thanks Dorothy for the interesting article on Remus, shows how history can be re=written, Merry Ann