[12847] in Commercialization & Privatization of the Internet
com-priv and lists
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Joe Ragland)
Tue May 31 17:13:58 1994
From: Joe Ragland <jrr@mercury.interpath.net>
To: jpuertolas@si.upna.es (Javier Puertolas)
Date: Tue, 31 May 1994 12:01:29 -0400 (EDT)
Cc: com-priv@psi.com
Reply-To: jrr@interpath.net
In-Reply-To: <9405310925.AA04989@si.upna.es> from "Javier Puertolas" at May 31, 94 10:25:10 am
According to Javier Puertolas:
>
> com-priv-request
You're getting closer...
OK, there's many new folks on the net these days so maybe it helps to
pass along a bit longer version of how to deal with lists (without flames).
There are automated lists, sometimes called list servers (LISTSERV) or some
similar name, whereby one gets on or off by putting some special words/syntax
into the Subject line, or some special words/syntax into the body of the
message, or must include some special header line of prescribed syntax. The
special syntax prescribes either to get on or off the list and some multiple
list servers require a special header syntax that names which list one is
posting to, etc. Software puts one on/off or directs a posting to a particular
list/sublist automatically.
However, a great number of lists (most I'm sure) are like com-priv and are
managed by at least one warm body. Though not a requirement, these lists
usually conform to the convention that says if the list name is list@x.y.z
then to make a change (get added, removed, or change address) then one sends
mail to list-request@x.y.z. That is, just append -request to the list name.
The address, list-request@x.y.z, is usually just another list but one that
includes just a few folks charged with maintaining such info at x.y.z. In
the case of com-priv-request I suspect your request to be added, deleted,
or for a change of address will be acknowledged by one of the nice folks
at PSI who do this job there. In the last six months I've had to drop off
com-priv when I terminated employment at one organization and then when I got
reconnected to the net I asked to be put back on but with a new email address.
Each message to com-priv-request was acknowledged by someone at PSI in a mail
message back to me. Then I knew almost exactly when I had been deleted and
added back to com-priv. But, don't expect this response from all list
maintainers. Mail to list-request to be added may just result in your
seeing list mail arrive. Ditto for other such requests. It's nice to get
a message from the maintainers but it's not required.
If you have a list that you want to subscribe to and you do not know whether
or not the list is automated via some listserve mechanism, then first try
sending mail to list-request@x.y.z. If the mail is returned to you marked
"address unknown" or otherwise bounces then you know at least that you
have not sent your mail to the whole list and you can suspect that in fact,
you are dealing with an automated list server. Then try one of the
usual list serve procedures like including SUBSCRIBE as the subject or
as the text of your message, etc.
I hope this helps somebody since I'm sending this to the WHOLE LIST! :-)
--joe
