This dialogue between Eric and Mel has been most interesting. Having a devious turn of mind, it seems to me that implict in much of it is the message which I will now make explicit: It's time for a list coup d'etat. I won't think of everything, but it seems some of the steps would be sort of like this: First, get the subscription lists of all the peers, but be sure you block access so they can't get your list. If some of the peers are cooperative you can make exceptions, but don't be too trusting (be sure you have all the info for each peer before they know anything of your intentions, but they can't get info on yours). Don't forget to change the list password and your personal password (you don't know how good they may be at forging email). Add the subscribers from the other peers to your list. Break the peerage. Announce that your site is now the sole site for the list. Then duke it out with the former peers (you can keep peers you think are cooperative). After some acrimony, subscribers will decide which list they want to be on, best list wins. Total chaotic anarchy for a while, but it would be interesting to see how it works out. Mind you, I'm not advocating anything like this approach. It's just sort of a thinking-out-loud excercise. But if something like this were tried I think the details of the procedure and the outcome would be fascinating. So I have a sick mind. What else is new? ;-) Douglas Winship Austin, Texas [log in to unmask]