I would like to go on record and say that I think it is extremely bad form to question the List Administrator's rules for the mailing lists ON the list. The List Admins have a hard enough job maintaining order without list subscribers trying to undermine their authority directly on the lists. Rules are set by List Admins for the good of ALL- not to benefit one person or group, and those rules must be obeyed by EVERYONE for the good of all. Alice deserves our support. Alice Gayley has always been a kind, considerate person as far as list admins go, and she should receive the same treatment from us.This list has always run as smooth as glass, and I have been on here for well over four years. There have been a few heated arguements, but I can't remember one single time where someone has had to step in and call a time-out. This speaks volumes about those who subscribed to this list in the past, and I for one would like to maintain the peaceful,helpful attitude that has been the hallmark of this list for so many years. However, I realize that problems do sometimes crop up.If you have a problem with something, or someone on the list, or the way Alice runs the list, it would be much more appropriate and considerate to contact her OFF the list. And of course, one always has the option of unsubscribing if one does not like the way things are being done, or one feels as though they simply cannot abide by the rules. It should also be pointed out that Alice has options available to her on her List Admin utilities page to deal with problem posters. People with an ax to grind CAN be kept off of the mailing lists if need be. If there is someone on the lists whose posts you wish not to read, you have the option of putting that person into your e-mail killfile. I have had to do this a few times in the past, and it works so that you never have to see an e-mail from that person again. I ONLY know how to do this for Outlook Express--if anyone wishes to use their killfile and needs help, please e-mail me directly. I do agree with the suggestion about putting several obituaries in an e-mail before posting it. I DON"T agree with the premise of introducing any old topic just for the sake of saying something and having traffic on the lists. Some lists are quieter than others. It is QUALITY, not quantity that counts on these mailing lists. If the Rootsweb mailing lists decayed into the genealogical version of a chat room, I sure wouldn't stay on any of them for very long. We're all adults here. I'm sure we can help Alice maintain a friendly atmosphere. :-)