Dan - FILTER or SERVE-OFF does not bit-bucket postings/commands - it just prevents AUTOMATIC processing. Effectively the list and/or listserv becomes MODERATED for that person. It lets those responsible for the smooth functioning of a list ( or site ) do some checking when something triggers a 'warning bell' in their experience. If the person/address checks out, the block can be quickly removed and the mail forwarded as appropriate - often without any noticeable additional delay. I'd rather explain a 30 minute delay to one person than explain to 10,000+ subscribers how one turkey crashed our site by flooding LISTSERV ( via any one of many senerios ) with bogus commands/postings. ( we only support 130 or so lists, so imagine what could happen at larger sites ) - mike