I find Geert's suggestions very interesting and, indeed, may serve to improve the performance, net and user-wise, of the Listservs. Perhaps some of the operational concepts behind the Netserv chain could be transported (i.e. the 'country server, regional server' idea, the automatic updates of system files like XMAILER NAMES, NODUPD's, etc.). Given that a Listserv backbone already exists and the high level (and quality) of the software, this shouldn't require an overly gross rework of the code. However, the EARN BoD - volunteer war will probably prevent Eric, Jose Maria and other Listserv experts to be able to devote much time or effort in this matter. I am truly saddened to see an 'academic' network involving higher education and research institutions like EARN to become involved in such a bureaucratic muddle. Juan