In a message dated 2/23/2007 5:38:41 PM Eastern Standard Time, TAORMINA5@aol.com writes: Since there is some confusion about replying "off list," here's the best way to do it, thus avoiding clogging up the list with off-topics, extraneous messages, thank you's, etc. Some people new to the list might be unfamiliar with this method. ------- I haven't seen that type of confusion on this list -- no one has asked for instructions on how to reply privately. Replying privately (for lists that have the REPLY TO LIST setting such as this one) varies depending upon the email client the subscriber is using. The instructions in your email work for AOLers but not for those list members using other email clients. If anyone requires help with any administrative issue involving using this list (such as how and where to direct their replies) I'd appreciate if they'd contact me privately at: PHILLY-ROOTS-admin@rootsweb.com and I'll be happy to help. On all RootsWeb lists there can only be one judge of what is "off-topic" or "extraneous" and that is the list admin. So unless you are receiving an admin message from me about a post you may have made to this list you need not worry about being off-topic or posting an "extraneous" list post. If I see a problem, I'll let you know. I'd really appreciate that list members who are not the admin of this list would direct any administrative issue they feel requires my attention or action to me at the above noted admin address and not post it to the list. It only tends to confuse people if they get instructions (possibly conflicting ones at that) from various sources other than the list admin. Yes, messages that say only "thank you" should be sent privately, but all issues related Philadelphia genealogy and the responses to those queries (even if they stray a bit out of our realm) are welcome on the list as long as they are relevant to the original on-topic query. And, yes, occasionally list members have an "oops" moment and send an email they intended to send privately to the list by mistake. Rest assured that should happen repeatedly I'll be dealing with it privately. Thanks for everyone's cooperation. Joan, admin PHILLY-ROOTS@rootsweb.com <BR><BR><BR>**************************************<BR> AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what's free from AOL at http://www.aol.com.