Along with several other people, I co-own a closed list (subscription by-owner). I'd like to recommend this approach to Althea. We have an "owners" list and rotate the listowning responsibilities (two weeks shifts). Not only does this help prevent listowner-burnout, generally at least one of us can remain cool-headed when the nasty-grams flood in. Prospective subscribers must fill out and return a "profile", which discourages those who subscribe frivolously -- it's just too much trouble. We've only ever refused one potential subscriber - a know Usenet flamer. We've had to barr two people who were deliberately trying to sabotage the list (and were foolish enough to brag about it on Usenet, as if the listowners never read anything but their own list. We send a Welcome Letter to new subscribers with the philosophy and rules of the list, and generally a polite, behind the scenes reminder is enough to get most offenders to settle down. At their best (IMHO) lists are a synthesis of the listowners' vision and the list members desires. Jae Walker co-owner, ARCANA -- [log in to unmask] -- DRYCAS | [log in to unmask] -- America Online ****