Regarding prevention (rather discouragement) of disruptive behavior in discussion groups, we generally present and agree upon a "conduct of behavior" at the very beginning. I can see some value in using this for electronic discussion groups also. I am currently establishing several new lists for my company, and my plan is to send to new sub- scribers a statement of purpose for the list and our expectation of the type (conduct) of communication that is contributed to the list. The statement will also say that a member may participate only if he/she abides by our expectations of conduct. If a member does become abusive, I will resend the "statement" and gently remind him of his terms of list membership. I'll remove a member if he continues to be abusive. Actually, I don't expect any problems, because my lists will be company- private, and nearly all the people I've known here are respectful of each other and conduct themselves in a professional manner. Concerning litigation, I would think that a list owner who presented a clear, explicit statement of his/her list's purpose and conduct would have a strong position from which to defend his/her actions against an abusive list member. Thanks, Dan. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Daniel L. Carnahan, Senior Systems Analyst, [log in to unmask] Pacific Bell, 1611 Clayton Road, Room 238, Concord, CA 94520 USA Office:510-671-3713 Pager:510-945-5337 Fax:510-676-0882