The method that I'm using this year: * SUBSCRIPTION= CLOSED * SEND= OWNERS Sent a note to [log in to unmask] with an explanation (folks can still unsubscribe themselves). Also updated the listname.MAILTPL section >>> SUB_CLOSED Message sent to user trying SUBSCRIBE on closed list Sorry, the &LISTNAME list is closed. Contact the list owner (&OWNER) for more information, BUT before you do, please read the following: We're taking &LISTNAME on holiday so we don't have to deal with the multitude of bounces that invariably occur when a disproportionate number of subscribers have email problems. Thank you for your understanding and please retry 1/5/1999.