Poster:       Nathan Brindle <[log in to unmask]>
 
>Another thing you could do is set
>
>* SizeLim= 200
 
Clever Nathan!
 
>in the total.)  Sure, they'll find ways around this...they'll break
>up the binaries into smaller pieces and send multiple sections.  But
>sooner or later they'll get tired of it.  :)
 
And, in the meanwhile, the complaints from people on both sides of the
issue -- those who don't want binaries, who are angry at their being sent;
and those who do, who now have the hassle of recombining the binaries --
are going to grow.  And EVERYONE will get tired of it.
 
Reset the SizeLim, yes, but also do what Geert Marien suggested, I think:
write a brief note to the list.  Make it calm, even handed, and totally
neutral, not naming names or citing instances.  Also make sure you phrase
everything very tactfully to avoid seeming to accuse anyone of anything
(even if that's what you're doing) -- and don't get into too many
specifics, since that just invites the pettyfoggers.
 
Explain that you have given thought to the question of allowing binaries on
the list but that you have decided against it for the following reasons
(these are but suggestions): the fact that binaries are inherently
unsuitable for ascii-based mail readers; the fact that they increase the
log size to the point that the disk space gets filled up much more quickly,
but without contributing anything substantive to the archives, really,
especially since they are unlikely to be properly searchable and
retrievable; the fact that they fill up everyone's mail box space too
rapidly (leading to an increased number of "mailbox full" messages for the
listowners -- but your opponents may not sympathize with that: they sound
like the type who would then claim it's the fault of those listmembers for
not having big enough accounts, and that if YOU, the listowner, couldn't
handle all those error messages, you have no business being a listowner).
 
Describe, if you see fit, the cultural differences between e-mail lists
and newsgroups, including those based on the realities of diskspace
involved for the individuals, and remind the list that the newsgroup is
gated to the list as though it were a subscriber, but that the discussion
group itself is an e-mail based one.  Make it clear that you are keeping to
the rules of listserv (vel sim) lists, not those of Usenet newsgroups.
 
Point out that you are not censoring ideas, merely refusing to make your
forum available for a medium that is not suitable to it; that you allow
free discussion on your list -- save in such cases as the peaceable nature
of the list is being disrupted, at which point it is your duty as a
listowner to stop the disruption, even if it means unsubscribing and
serving off the transgressors.  Add that the smooth and orderly running
of the list is one of your duties as listowner, and that you take the
welfare of the list seriously.  And suggest that binaries will be taken as
disruptive in their own right for the problems they cause.
 
Explain that there is a relatively limited number of people who want those
files AND know how to convert them, and that the needs and wishes of the
list as a whole and of the majority of listmembers (may not be the same
thing, really) come first.  Add that it's also a matter of courtesy.
 
Finally, suggest that those who wish to post binaries form a new newsgroup
(rec.music.dylan.binaries?) for the purpose.  Mention in passing that such
a newsgroup should keep copyright issues in mind, since the pictures that
are sent in there might well be illegally copied.  (Hints rather strongly
that this is another reason for your wanting them kept OFF your list.  It
certainly would be a consideration for *me*.)
 
Meanwhile, of course, keep all relevant messages and make sure you can
document and thus justify everything leading up to whatever action you end
up taking.  If the individuals persist on making life miserable, have a
precis of the whole affair prepared to send to their respective
postmasters.  Include the latest most egregious example of the individual's
style, and indicate that you have archived the other messages and will make
them available to the postmaster upon request.  If you deem necessary, cc:
this to the individual in question.
 
And ... consider closing down that gateway, since the problem users seem to
be on the Usenet end of things.
 
Good luck.
 
(And good luck to you, Anita, on *your* problem child.  Good lord, where do
these nuts COME from?!  You're not still talking about that same obnox from
HISTARCH, are you?)
 
Mario Rups
[log in to unmask]
 
p.s. -- Maureen, you might consider re-setting your SizeLim AFTER you send
a message such as I've outlined, if that's what you decide to do.  It would
take some pretty nifty writing to get all of it packed in under 200 lines!
 <grin>