> > Turkey writes: Dear Paul (and list) You've asked some great questions - and I will try to answer them for you. Since others may be wondering the same things, let me respond as best I can > Then how is anyone to know if their mail is getting on >the list? I've explained how to check to see if your list mail has made it to the list. Simply check the list archives. If your mail is there, it made it. If it's not there, it didn''t. Then you follow the steps I outlined in my last email (the one to which you replied) >Why is Spam allowed as Subject? Subjects of emails are not controlled by the list robot or the list admin. If you are seeing "SPAM" as a subject, it is almost certainly your own mail program spam filter adding that. >Why is different list so different? Rootsweb mail lists are run by volunteer list admins. Rootsweb has it's own set of rules that list admins are asked to follow. However each list admin is able to make their own rules above and beyond those of Rootsweb. The restriction re test messages comes directly from Rootsweb and is one I adhere to. > There are message boards that I have not seen any > messages posted. How do you find out if these message > boards are actrive or still exist? Message boards are not mailing lists. They do not have anything in common, the boards are administered by volunteers but their technical operation is quite different from mailing lists. To find out if a board exists, go to Rootsweb.com and click on Message Boards. >Then do we need two Ontario mailing Lists? One for >genealogy and one for Genealogy and technical help and >Genealogy Software and to see if there is a surname in >Ontario? Each rootsweb mailing list has its own topic. The topic of this list is Genealogy and History of Ontario after 1867. So yes, there are separate lists for Technical help. There will be another for Genealogy software. It makes sense to post queries to the appropriate (i.e., on topic) list. > There is a Delete button if some one doesn't want this >message. That's not how this list (nor most mailing lists) work. You must stay on topic (Genealogy and History of Ontario after 1867) If you choose to not abide by the on topic rule, then you are quite free to seek another list that might suit you better. Mary mentioned Gen-Newbie list. It is an open 'anything goes' list. If that suits your personality better, that is, if you wish to post to an unrestricted list where you are quite unlikely to find anyone else searching for Ontario roots -- then that is what you should do. There you can post about Tasmanian tree frogs, or Russian culture or -- yes -- genealogy software, etc. > I have seen Test messages liven up a board. Sorry Paul but this mailing list expects that posters will refrain from the wasteful and useless Test message syndrome. (that means -- no test messages allowed) I hope this answers your questions, but in future please post your questions to the list admin in private email. The list rules aren't up for discussion so posting the mailing list serves no purpose. I only answered on list because I thought other Ontario-L newcomers might be wondering the same things Lorine List Admin -- Lorine McGinnis Schulze * Olive Tree Genealogy (Ships Passenger Lists) http://olivetreegenealogy.com/ * Naturalization Records http://naturalizationrecords.com/ * Images of Ships Lists http://www.rootsweb.com/~ote/ships/ otg@csolve.net or olivetreegenealogy@gmail.com