Permanent moderation can be a pain.  Consider the following.  Announce
that the list will be moderated temporarily until it settles into the
original vision you've had for it.  At the same time, post some rules for
the list to help it get on the track you want it to.  Include a
description of the positive things you'd like emphasized, but also be
explicit of what you'd like ruled out, be it personal resumes, flaming,
whatever.  If you have the time, while under formal moderation try to include
notes about why rejected messages may be inappropriate when you send them
back (cite the relevant rule you had posted initially).
 
After a few days or a week, things should largely conform to what you've
laid down, and then you can lift formal moderation.  If you've got a rowdy
group, you may have to do this several times over the course of a few
months to get them really settled.
 
Oh -- be sure to include your rules in your WELCOME file so that new
subscribers will know the rules from the beginning.  And don't be afraid
to create new rules over time as experience dictates.  Evolution is
expected, particularly in a newly founded list.
 
-- Roger Burns   [log in to unmask]
   List-owner, CFS-L Chronic Fatigue Syndrome discussion