Hello List Members: In consideration of all the new subscribers to the dozen or so lists that I administer, I thought that I would send along a few tips to them (and some of the older subscribers as well) that might be of some help in their use of the lists for genealogy research. 1. Subscribe and unsubscribe to a list: Send an e-mail to the "command" address - xxxxx-L-request or -D-request depending on which list you are subscribed to (individual or digest) where xxxxx is the name of the list. For example xxxxx-L-request@rootsweb.com replacing the xxxxx with the name of the list. Put the single word either subscribe or unsubscribe in either or both subject and body of the e-mail, either will work, and nothing else. If you need to unsubscribe and can't remember which lists you're subbed to, go to: http://passwordcentral.rootsweb.com and request a list of everything you are subscribed to on RootsWeb. 2. Subject line: Perhaps the most important part of your message. Many readers, especially those who receive a lot of mail, don't have time (or take time) to read further. Make your subject concise and informative. Also, when mentioning a surname, type it in all CAPS. 3. Queries, messages and responses: Remember these are NOT sent to the "command" address. This means don't use -request, just the name of the list followed by -L or -D as the case may be. Send your query to -L, regardless of which list you are subscribed to. When replying to a message from the list using "reply" or "reply all", be sure to delete as much as possible of the original e-mail. This helps to keep the digests down to a manageable size. By all means, when sending a query or message to the list, include any date or location information you have-don't leave it to the reader to "guess." 4. Remember, this list is for a stated purpose. Off-topic posts may cause the sender to be unsubscribed. If you have something you think should be brought to the attention of everyone subscribed to the list, send it to ME @ phillipscalvin@prodigy.net and I'll deal with it. No roll-calls, virus warnings, tests, political announce- ments, personal messages, etc.. They ARE definitely OFF-TOPIC. 5. I have no interest in what you say to someone in a personal, private message. Flaming or criticizing someone on-list is cause for immediate removal in my book, fast and permanently. 6. Once again, I am the so-called "listowner or administrator" and am happy to volunteer a certain amount of my time to make these lists work. In most cases, I started the list, simply because there wasn't one and I thought there should be. I do NOT pretend to be an expert genealogist, but if I can help you I'll usually try. I read every post to the list and respond to posts if I can help. If you have a problem, send me a note at phillipscalvin@prodigy.net and if I can help, I will. Cal P.S. Mail you receive that comes directly from RootsWeb WILL BE virus free. Never open an attachment from another source without verifying first that it is.