Yes, a period in the first column can be interpreted as an "end of file"
flag.  Ususally happens when people allow their system to "wrap"
the lines so they won't be bothered with having to hit "return."
Problem is that some systems don't do it very well and may "wrap"
just the period.  Also happens sometimes when someone hits the "reply"
button and quotes everything, and the quote mark makes a line one character
too long, etc., etc.
 
If you have archives  and someone does a search which finds the posting
with the errant period the result will be precisely the same.  I rarely
edit the archives, but do it to take out things like that.  They are traps
waiting to be sprung upon the innocent.
 
Douglas
       Douglas Winship   Hays County, Texas  [log in to unmask]
                    Secondary AUTOCAT Listowner
                              MEDLAB-L