With 1.7f the only non-acrobatic way is to put the message in a 'listname
MAILFORM' file on LISTSERV's A-disk and  not use the WELCOME message. But
I don't  recommend that approach since  the format of the  MAILFORM files
has changed with 1.8a (they are now  called MAILTPL), and there is a much
simpler solution  with 1.8a:  put the  text in  the WELCOME  message, and
create a 'listname MAILTPL' file with the following contents:
 
>>> SIGNUP1
.qq
>>> ADD1
.qq
 
As a CREN member you can get 1.8a  at no cost by filling in the paperwork
available from LISTSERV@SEARN as CREN_MNT.PS and SA9403-1.PS.
 
  Eric