Listowner Folks, If the header says * Subscription= Open,Confirm then new subscribers are asked to "ok" in response to a listserv query (in response to their original request to subscribe). I can see that this may prevent some prank/third-party subscriptions. Good. But is there some other compelling reason why would-be subscribers should normally have to say "Yes, I really mean it, please subscribe me to the list?" Does the confirmation loop serve some other, important function? I'm just a little afraid people who *are* interested in the topic of my list may drop out without confirming out of confusion (didn't I already just subscribe to that list?). I know no way to underestimate the persistence and spark of Joe Newbie. It's also possible that it may be a little extra red-tape, that maybe can be removed, right? I'm trying to open the feel and tone of the list, and wondering if the confirmation may be *unnecessarily* intimidating. Besides protection from third-party subscriptions, what do I lose if I change it? Thanks for any comments! Pax, Dave Dave Kinnaman <[log in to unmask]> 512/463-9321 #this too shall pass#