There is a place for the IC-L list at St. John's University. I have
appended a starter kit, but assume you know most of this. Let me know
if you are definitely coming and I will set up the dir.
In order to start a new list, you need to make several decisions about
the way the list operates, create a welcome message, write an
announcement to the New-List list, and provide a list name of 8 or
fewer letters. You may also want to include a Farewell message.
The list parameters are set out in the list header, an example of which,
as well as an explanation of the most common key words, is shown below.
Use this as a model and make changes appropriate to you particular needs.
As soon as you submit the List Header and the Welcome message, beta
testing of the list can proceed. When you are satisfied the list is
functioning the way you wish, send the New-List announcment.
If you are moving a list from a previous site, the existing subscribers
can be automatically added to the list. Just submit to me a list of the
subscribers in the format:
[log in to unmask] Jane Smith
[log in to unmask] Max Doe
etc.
If you do not have the names for the subscribers, use an alias such as
Listname Subscriber and a message can be sent to the list advising
members how to substitute their actual names.
* List Name/Description (1)
* A St. Johns University List
*
* Errors-to= Owner (2)
* Review= Private (3)
* Subscription= open,confirm (4)
* Send= Private (5)
* Notify= Yes Reply-to= List,Respect Files= No o
* Confidential= No (6) Validate= No X-Tags= Yes Yes
* Stats= Normal,Private (7) Ack= No
* Default-Options= Repro,ShortHDR
* Notebook= Yes,B,Monthly,Public (8)
* Mail-via= Distribute
* Auto-delete= yes (9)
* Renewal= 6-Monthly (10)
* Sizelim= 100 (11)
* Daily-threshold= 50 (12)
*
* List information (13)
*
* Owner= Email Address Full Name
* Owner= Quiet:
* Owner= [log in to unmask] (14)
These are the explanations of the selected defaults. (The actual list
header will not have the parenthized numbers.) These defaults are
suggested and the listowner is free to make the changes appropriate to
the particular list.
(1) This line gives the full name of the list.
(2) This is the person who is responsible for dealing with bounced mail.
It is usually the listowner, but anyone may be designated.
(3) This indicates who may get the names of subscribers to the list.
Private means only members of the list, and public means anyone can see
the subscribers. If the list is set to private, anyone asking for a
review will only get the header of the list.
(4) This indicates whether subscriptions to the list are automatic
(open) or forwarded to the Listowner who does the actual subscription
(by owner). The latter provides more control, but considerably more
effort. Confirm means that subscribers are not added to the list until
they return a confirm message. This shows that mail gateways are open
in both directions and eliminates error messages in the case of one-way
gates.
(5) This details whether anyone can send to the list (public) or only
list members (private). If the list is to be moderated or is meant to
be a newsletter or journal, send should be set to a third option--owner.
(6) If the list is marked confidential, it will not appear as an List if
Listserv is queried as to lists at the node.
(7) The list statistics can be made available to anyone (public) or only
to list members (private)
(8) The archives of a list can be stored weekly or monthly depending on
the list activity. If the monthly average is greater than 10,000 lines
a weekly log is suggested. The archives can be public or private, but
the default is public since these archives are meant to be an Internet
resource. If privacy or sensitivity of material are issues, the archives
can be made private.
(9) Auto-delete allows Listserv to delete some users who consistently
bounce mail with such errors as "no such user" or "no such node".
(10) With Renewal set, subscribers will be sent a message periodically
asking them to verify they wish to remain members. This eliminates
subscribers who are "on the books" but not actually reading mail. They
may have set themselves to nomail and have forgotten about the list.
(11) The default limit has been set to 100 lines. Longer messages are
typically ignored. This limit also discourages indiscriminant quoting
of previous messages and encourages intelligent summarization.
But you as Listowner have the final say in the Philosophy of your list.
You may want to create a list that is a forum for long discourses,
pointed comments, or anything in-between. Change your line limit
accordingly.
(12) Daily-threshold refers to the number of messages that can be sent in a
day. This, too, is flexible and should be based on the needs of the
Lists and their subscribers.
(13) The List Info is a short summary of the list and will be sent to
anyone who requests the List Header in the Review command.
(14) I am named as a listowner on every list to handle emergencies that
may arise. Note that I am a "quiet" owner meaning I will not get any
administrative messages sent to listowners. Other "quiet" listowners
can be added.
The Welcome message is sent to all new subscribers and should give
the subscriber the "ground rules" that are to be followed. An
example of a welcome message is appended.
The Farewell message is sent to all subscribers who signoff from the
list. An example is appended.
The new list announcement is a message sent to the New-List List
letting everyone know the creation (or changes in the list). Of
course, you would not send this if the list is to be private. The
format of this announcement is also appended.
There is considerable documentation on Listserv and list ownership but
the definitive Listowners Manual can be obtained by sending mail to
[log in to unmask] with the command: get listownr memo
Paul Karagianis <[log in to unmask]> (appeal of last resort),
PostMaster at sjuvm.stjohns.edu, has created an SJU Listowners Support List
to which you will be subscribed. It will serve to inform you of any
developments at St. John's and updates on the Listserv software, as well as
to provide an answer to questions that may arise.
There is a list for listowners owned by Eric Thomas (creator of Listserv)
that provides support. To subscribe, send mail to:
[log in to unmask] with the command:
sub lstown-l firstname lastname
There is considerable statistical information from Listserv on any Lists
as well as a powerful archive searching capabilities. I have written
a summary/tutorial that is available via ftp. To get the file:
ftp sjuvm.stjohns.edu
log in as anonymous (you will not be asked for a password)
cd public.100
get infoage.net
quit
======================================================================
Examples
Actual list created by Kevin Sinclair ([log in to unmask])
The info section is more detailed than most.
* Hematologic Malignancies Discussion
*
* A St. Johns University List
*
* Errors-to= Owner
* Review= Private Subscription= open Send= Private
* Notify= Yes Reply-to= List,Respect Files= No
* Confidential= No Validate= No X-Tags= Yes
* Stats= Normal,Private Ack= No
* Default-Options= Digest,Repro,ShortHDR
* Notebook= Yes,B,Monthly,Private
* Mail-via= Direct Auto-delete= yes
*
* Hem-Onc is an unmoderated discussion list for patients, family, friends,
* researchers, and physicians, to discuss clinical and nonclinical issues
* and advances pertaining to Leukemia, Lymphoma and Multiple Myeloma.
* This includes patient experiences, psychosocial issues, new research,
* clinical trials, and discussions of current treatment practices.
* For more information, send the command 'info hem-onc' to the address:
* [log in to unmask] (or to any listserv, actually). Through
* the Hem-Onc filelist we are also making AFD subscriptions available
* for some cancer related files, including Loren Buhle's Cancer FAQ.
*
* HISTORY: 06/23/95 - Create List - [log in to unmask] (Kevin Sinclair)
* 07/02/95 - Remove Confirmation Option (kjs)
* 07/08/95 - Add new owner Eric Garland; change title (kjs)
* 07/15/95 - Change Barb Lackritz to non-silent owner (kjs)
* 07/27/95 - change title to Hematologic Malignancies (kjs)
* - add comment about 'info hem-onc'
* - add new co-owner Marilyn Martin
* 07/27/95 - Move Barb to Main List owner (kjs)
* 08/04/95 - Add 2nd address for Buhle
* - Add AFD note in comment area (kjs)
* 08/20/95 - Add KJS 2nd owner address: St. Johns (kjs)
*
* Owner= [log in to unmask] Barb Lackritz
* Owner= Quiet:
* Owner= [log in to unmask] Kevin J. Sinclair
* Owner= [log in to unmask] Kevin J. Sinclair
* Owner= [log in to unmask] Dr. Bob Zenhausern
* Owner= [log in to unmask] Marilyn Martin
* Owner= [log in to unmask] Loren Buhle
* Owner= [log in to unmask] Loren Buhle
* Owner= [log in to unmask] Eric C Garland
*
=======================================================================
Welcome Message created by Roger Meyers ([log in to unmask]) Myers)
Welcome to BlindFam - Blindness and family life discussion list
You have been added to the BlindFam mailing list.
The BlindFam mailing list for discussions of all aspects of family life
as they are affected by the blindness of one or more family members
welcomes discussions of any topic directly related to how blindness
has, is or will be affecting your family life. All family members are
invited to join including spouses, parents, and children of a
blind individual as well as any blind person.
As for what topics are appropriate to discuss on this list?
* How does a blind parent change a baby, check for rash, etc.
* Parenting questions or situations involving a blind family member
* Wood working for the blind child or adult
* How to minimize blindisms
* Crafts that a blind child or adult can do well and enjoy
* Situations at school involving you as a blind parent or your blind child
* Dating a blind person - questions or situations to discuss
* How does a blind adult pay bills, file papers, write checks, etc.
* How can the blind member of your family select clothes that match
* How to teach your blind child to play a musical instrument
* How can a blind child play sports like football
* How to label grocery items so that you know what you are opening
* How do blind people cook, clean the house, shop, etc.
* Expectations of the blind family member by family or others
* Awkward situations
* Vacation activities that the whole family can enjoy
* Reading stories to a blind or sighted child
* Helping your blind child with homework
* How can a blind parent help a sighted child with his/her homework
* When should mobility training for your child start
* What tasks or chores should a blind child or adult be expected to do
* The blind parent or child and table manners
* Gardening with a blind child or adult
* Services for a blind child or adult and where to find them
* Games and toys blind children enjoy or have trouble playing
* Coping with depression in the blind child or adult
* How does a blind teanager apply makeup
* Situations involving blindness that upset other family members
* Millions of other similar topics which cannot be listed here
Most any situation in your everyday life in which blindness plays a
significant role could be a topic for discussion. Especially welcome
are topics that other BlindFam members can identify with.
Descriptions of yourself and your family are always welcome.
I think you get the idea. Try to avoid technical language,
conference announcements, quotes from other lists unless appropriate
and short and discussions that do not relate to blindness. Please,
do not post commercials. Many people on this list may have differing
opinions from your own. That is ok. Try to be helpful with your comments.
To post a message on the list, send mail to:
[log in to unmask]
All messages regarding your BlindFam subscription should go to:
[log in to unmask]
The list and its monthly archives are public. It is possible to
subscribe to the list in index (table of contents) and digest (one
mailing with all messages for the day). This can be accomplished
by sending mail to [log in to unmask] with the message:
set BlindFam index or set BlindFam digest
If you have any problem or would like more information about the BlindFam
list, please contact either:
[log in to unmask] (Roger Myers) or
[log in to unmask] (Patt Bromberger)
I hope this list proves useful and enjoyable to you and your family.
-- Roger Myers
BlindFam list coordinator
========================================================================
Farewell Message created by Sylvia Caras ([log in to unmask])
Subject: Follow up on MADNESS signoff
I'd like to know how you liked the MADNESS list, how long you
were a subscriber, how you heard about the list, why you
unsubscribed, and any other comments. If you use your
mail reader to *reply* to this message, I will receive your post.
Thanks in advance. S.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sylvia Caras, owner, MADNESS
"Nothing about me, without me."
======================================================================
Information on New-List Announcement
NEW-LIST FORMAT 06/23/94
The Suggested Format for New-List List Announcements
This document contains the suggested format of contributions to the
NEW-LIST list (to [log in to unmask] or [log in to unmask]).
By following this format it makes the announcement more useful both to
the readers and to folks who incorporate the announcements in other
publications.
The language of the new-list list itself is English. We welcome
announcements of lists which will communicate in other languages but
we ask that the announcement itself be in English (or in English
followed by the native language copy).
As with any edited document, the editor reserves the right to
make minor changes to the announcement to follow current conventions.
The NEW-LIST announcements go out to about 5,000 people directly.
Many of these people are busy and we try very hard to minimize the
traffic on the list. PLEASE be sure the list is well tested and
ready for new subscriptions before you send the announcement to new-list.
We will repeat an announcement or make corrections if absolutely
necessary but you must realize that by the time any correction is made
the announcement may have been passed on to many people. Since we get
busy with other things you might want to run the announcement by someone
else before sending it to new-list.
Due to the large number of recipients and "other duties" of the
editor, it may be several days before you announcement is issued to
new-list. Please be patient but if you haven't seen the note after a
week please be sure to contact us (send a note to new-list). We might
have lost the item or missed it in our mail.
NEW-LIST also accepts "last resort" list searches. These should
have the Subject: start with SEARCH: and should ONLY be sent AFTER
exhaustive searching of current sources and queries on other discussion
lists such as:
NETSCOUT NETSCOUT@ITESMVF1 The BITnet/Internet scouts.
HELP-NET HELP-NET@TEMPLEVM Bitnet/Internet Help Resource
Please include a sentance or two describing the searching you have
done and contrasting the list from any existing similar lists.
See the LISTSOF LISTS document for more information on how to find
existing lists. To retrieve that document send e-mail to
[log in to unmask] or [log in to unmask] with the body
containing the command
GET LISTSOF LISTS (note the 2nd S in listSof)
*
For information on starting your own mailing list you may send
the command GET NEW-LIST CREATE as described above.
Thank you for your help.
Marty Hoag new-list editor
Preferred format for LISTSERV List Descriptions
-----------------------------------------------
It is helpful to include a Subject in the headers similar to this
for new lists:
Subject: NEW: listname - List Description (use significant words)
Other items sent to the new-list list should have similar one-word
descriptions at the start of the Subject: in the headers:
New Lists Subject: NEW: listname - List Description
Changed Lists Subject: CHANGE: listname - List Description
Search Subject: SEARCH: List Description
Using specific one-word topics will allow items to be categorized
more easily and allows LISTSERV software to subset the mail by
topic so subscribers can order just the types of announcements they
want (see the file NEW-LIST README for details).
In the BODY of the mail the first line should have the list name.
For Eric Thomas LISTSERV or LISTEARN based servers:
listname on [log in to unmask] optional short title
or [log in to unmask] (IF there is an Internet name)
If the list is NOT on LISTSERV please be specific about this by
using ONLY the listname on the 1st line of the body of the mail.
For example, a non-LISTSERV list might have the first line:
[log in to unmask] optional short title
Following the initial list name line(s) which should start in the
first column, the rest of the announcement text should be indented
three spaces. This is an old convention from the old SRI-NIC list
which helps when a program must parse the listings into various parts.
Briefly describe the topic of the list. This should be brief and
to-the-point. For example, you might begin "The LISTNAME list was
formed in order to discuss the meaning of life. Related topics might
include etc. etc...." If you can't describe in 20 lines or less what
your list is about, then please try to edit the description to that
size. If the description is too sketchy it may have to be edited by
the by people using it. If it is too sketchy it may not be of value.
You can use a little extra space if you have a Listserv FILELIST to
go along with your list. For example: "Archives of LISTNAME and
related files are stored in the LISTNAME FILELIST. To receive a list
of files send the command INDEX LISTNAME to [log in to unmask]"
After your description you should include instructions for
subscribing. We suggest the following generic format for LISTSERV:
To subscribe to LISTNAME, send the following command to LISTSERV@NODENAME
or [log in to unmask] in the BODY of e-mail:
SUBSCRIBE LISTNAME yourfirstname yourlastname
For example: SUBSCRIBE LISTNAME Joe Shmoe."
Include Owner and/or Moderator/Editor Names and e-mail addresses.
For example:
Owner: Fred Icky <[log in to unmask]>
<[log in to unmask]>
--- Optional secondary owners and/or Editors ---
EXAMPLE ANNOUNCEMENT
Putting all this together here is an example of an announcement.
No two announcements are exactly alike. The trick is to have enough
information to either subscribe to the list or pass the announcement
on to someone who might be interested without getting too long-winded.
---------------------- Start of Example ------------------------------
... RFC822 headers ...
Subject: NEW: MONKEYS - Discussions of Monkeys
... RFC822 headers ...
(be sure there is a BLANK LINE following the headers...)
MONKEYS on [log in to unmask] - Monkeys Discussion
or [log in to unmask]
MONKEYS is an open, unmoderated discussion list featuring
monkeys. Things such as how to care for a pet monkey, monkey
diseases, monkey lore, endangered species of monkeys, and
monkey psychology are likely to be discussed. The list is
NOT intended for monkey bashing.
Archives of MONKEYS mail items are kept in monthly files. You may
obtain a list files in the archives by sending the command
INDEX MONKEYS
in the BODY of e-mail to LISTSERV@BITHOST on BITNET or to
[log in to unmask] on the Internet.
To subscribe, send the following command in the BODY of mail
to LISTSERV@BITHOST on BITNET or [log in to unmask] on the Internet:
SUB MONKEYS yourfirstname yourlastname
For example:
SUB MONKEYS Tar Zan
Owner: Charles Darwin <[log in to unmask]>
<[log in to unmask]>
----------------------- End of Example -------------------------------
NOTE: If you feel other information is essential, please put it AFTER
the above format or explain briefly how to get it. Separate
any additional data from the basic list format.
-----------
Marty Hoag new-list editor
ND Higher Education Computer Network US Mail: NDSU Computer Center
Phone: (701)-237-8639 Fax: (701)-237-8541 PO Box 5164 / UCCS
Bitnet: nu021172@NDSUVM1 (NOTE 0 = ZERO) Fargo, ND 58105
Internet: [log in to unmask]
|
