It was my understanding that the TOPICS feature handled REPLY subjects "RE: " ok, but I've never verified that myself. As far as prohibiting users from posting to a TOPIC -- that is not a feature. Sounds like you need either a better educated subscribership; re-configure list so that REPLIES don't default to list, but instead to the original sender; a better WELCOME file/netiquette doc; closer list-owner/moderator involvement; or new (sub) lists with tighter subscription control. -- co-owner: INFOSYS, TQM-L, CPARK-L, ERAPPA-L, JANITORS, LDBASE-L, et -L URL:mailto:[log in to unmask] "I've been cybertagged :-("