There is, in fact, an english word that describes the task.  It's
"operator".  I suspect that "owner" was chosen because LISTSERV was
envisioned to be used strictly by academics on a campus where the operator
had total control of content and operation.  This certainly isn't the case
for my list, for instance.
 
There are a number of instances where language is a problem in LISTSERV.
For instance, I've yet to come across a single person who, without being
told, doesn't believe that the delivery receipt message indicates the total
number of subscribers. For a list with many people set to digest this is
very misleading.  Hardly a week goes by that I don't have to correct this
impression on my list.
 
If I get any response at all from someone at Lsoft it's not going to be a
"thank you" for pointing out obvious problems that could be corrected in the
future.  I'll be scolded for criticizing.  This has happened before to me
after asking innocent questions about things going wrong with my list.
Again, I think this is another language/cultural/communications problem.
 
 ============================================================================
Mike Holloway              |* On average, 8 people a day on the waiting list
[log in to unmask]   |  for a transplant die for lack of a donor.
___________________________|* The end-stage diseases treated by transplant
  do not recognize age, race, nationality or pocketbook.
* There is no justifiable reason to deny organ donation, but many myths and
misunderstandings.
* Next of kin must allow donation.  Your family must know your wishes.
* Only a small fraction of the next of kin of potential donors allow
  donation to take place.
* In general, medical professionals do not recognize their obligation to
  support and promote donation.
Questions? See FAQ:
http://www.lib.ox.ac.uk/internet/news/faq/bit.listserv.transplant.html or
ftp://rtfm.mit.edu/pub/usenet/bit.listserv.transplant/
 =============================================================================