Hi All, I feel heartsick at the controversy on the list right now. I'm probably putting my neck on the chopping block, but I feel a need to clarify something for those who might not understand. As a list administrator of a large, active surname list, I've had a lot of experience with controversies, subject lines, off list postings, etc. We were all newbies once and most, if not all, of us have made some mistakes. Many of us in our excitement to post may still make a mistake after years of being on lists. No one should be made to feel afraid of posting for fear of being criticized. I think the one thing I most want to comment on is that Rootsweb has thousands of lists. Each list administrator is allowed to run their list/s the way they personally choose - within Rootsweb's Acceptable Use Policy (which also includes something about FLAMING). Some list admins may choose to have a "facts only" list. Some list admins may choose to have a family type atmosphere on their list with some personal chatting allowed because it helps everyone bond together and share more freely and feel more personal about each other. Some may fall somewhere in the middle. I've seen lists where the Welcome Letter is the standard Rootsweb issue one with no changes. I've seen others with very clear rules / guidelines stated to help newcomers. Sometimes it's necessary to make rules to fit the list. Many lists have rules about political statements or about signature surname blocks. The point is that each admin has their own choice as to how the list is run and anyone who disagrees with the list management can discuss it with the list admin, leave the list by unsubscribing or take the matter up with Rootsweb - who usually side with the individual list admin. I personally fall somewhere in the middle of the facts/chat issue and definitely have had to set some clear rules for my list. One of them I think is very important and is clearly stated in my Welcome letter - which I also repost to the list frequently to remind everyone. This important rule explains that there is ONE list admin on the list and to please not intervene - and let me do my job. As a list admin who is on other lists where I'm not the admin I feel I need to abide by that list admin's rules as much as I humanly can - giving that I make mistakes and am not perfect. I believe that Sandra has been a tremendous help on this list and others and that her heart is in the right place in trying to help. I also believe that Carol as the list administrator should be allowed to do her job - even if it isn't in as timely a manner as some might like it to be. (I'm just judging this from the content of the recent messages.) To step in and try to do her job for her may not be the best thing to do - no matter how good the intentions might be - and it may result in increasing the confusion over who the list admin is and who is running the list, etc. I would be very upset if someone on my list tried to run my list for me. Sometimes I may not get to the computer as fast as someone may like because I have a life too and list admins are volunteers who freely give of their time and service. I don't mean to offend anyone by this post. I feel like I understand both sides from a very personal view. I truly think many people don't understand that each list is different and that each list admin is different and that each has the RIGHT to run their list the way they want. Rootsweb supports the list admins judging how best to run their own individual lists. My hope is that this message will help clarify that. Sincerely, Donna Hamm Virus Free Scanned by Norton AntiVirus 2003