I've gotten a bunch of replies to my query as to whether it's possible to
monitor the number of times mailing-list databases (or archives, for that
matter) are accessed. It's clear from the replies that one cannot do this.
 
There's been disagreement as to whether this would be useful, or why one
would even want to do it. I agree with  Pete ([log in to unmask]) that
 
> Any value that LISTSERV might be able to return to you then, should
> only be used as a lower bound for the "value" of your information.
 
However, IMHO, - I'm not even a listowner - I suggest that even lower-bound
information as to the frequency of use of certain classes of items (contact
lists, say) within list databases would go a ways to making the mailing
lists more user friendly. It's not a matter of memory - that's cheap enough
- but more one of indicating to the people who keep these items updated
whether or not their work is warranted.
 
--  ed <eagro@ igc.org>