On Thu, 25 Apr 1996 XTSEBASTIAN@ccvax.fullerton.edu wrote:

From WW, re: the # of people here, "225."

Now that I know the number, I think I can guess the reason
why I've been getting 70-120 posts a day.  It's the newbies.
Plain and simple.  Notice that most of the regulars here have
been posting less (I'm excluded since I'm still a semi-newbie).

I've been here on the ML for quite a while now, but can't contribute due 
to backlogged schoolwork.  *sniff*

Why?  Some due to work and school stress, most because (and I'm
extrapolating) the conversations have become dull and unexciting.

I'm busy and I like the spam (the canned and electronic variety).  Heh, 
Rob's .sig chars are so intersting to watch ... er read ;)

Scanning through the messages written by the regulars, they're mostly
about 'fics or stuff relating to 'fics.  They know the rules.

Yep!

I don't know if WW has made the adjustment to the subbing where a 
copy of the FAQ gets added to the regular subbing message, but it should.
(I mean "he"; damn typoes! :))  So let the Queen of Spam lay it down
straight:

Spam can be good.  It cheers us up.  It lets us know when we're being
too serious or too stuffy.  It gives us entertainment (in the case of
the Poker Game spamfic).

Spam can be bad.  It clogs our mailboxes.  It impedes progress.
It can be dull and boring (the Spira hunts; even I quit that one).

How can we stop good spam from turning into bad spam?

Put it in the 'fridge? :)

1) Change the subj. heading to reflect that it's spam.  Those not
interested in the spam can delete it.  Those contributing can reply
immediately.  Use the keyword [Spam].

2) If people complain, someone has to take it off the ML.  Like the
Poker Game that got moved to private email, some of these spamwars
can go privately, too.  And if you want to post some of the 
chapters as Panda and the Orick have done, fine!  Label it as a
[Spamfic] and as before, those interested can read, those disinterested 
can delete.

3) Think before you reply to the ML.  If just one person needs to see
your reply in order to make you happy, it's best to send it to private
email.  However, if it's a general comment about a fanfic that you
want to debate/talk about with the author and his/her editors/friends,
please, post it.  The author wants to know what you think.  His/her
friends/editors want to know, too.  If you want to know info regarding
a char. because you're researching a 'fic, please, make your
request here.  That's why we're here, to help and comment and make your
writing easier.


Anyone else have something to add?

Yeah.  Restrict the use of the [Fanfic] header to fanfics and CC's on the 
'fic only.  Case in point, this thread itself which someone labeled as 
'[Fanfic]'
We should also add the heading [Info] for info requested. 
Also we might want [Annoucement] for anyone giving out info e.g. the Con 
trips, webpage announcements, etc.

That brings our categories to:
[Spam], [Spamfic] <-- .sig chars go here :)
[Info], [Announcement] <- side notes, not quite spam, but not 'fics either
[Fanfic] <- the whole point of the ML
[Admin] <-- WW's use only

Complaints should be kept to private email, unless it is about the whole 
ML, in which case it should go to /dev/null ... J/K.  I'm adding [Info] 
to this thread to reclassify it :)

Foxtrot the Furryous, BTFH

                        ^^^^
Hmm ... maybe [Prodding] just for you ;)

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