I emailed you from one of my domains that has no filters, so I don't know why I never got it. That's the address I always use for you. Sorry I never got it, but I have no idea why I would not have received it.
I mentioned yesterday that the Mail Archive people told me that button (or similar) has been there for a long time. But I don't know of anyone that's ever seen it before. I find that rather strange since I go to the archives almost daily. I only noticed it a few days ago, and I checked due to all the emails I've been receiving from strangers about my post to the PCworks list. I knew our email addresses were hidden, so I didn't know how this could be happening.....until I saw that button. I indicated yesterday that my current primary cause for concern is the inquiries asking for assistance on various matters more so than the potential for SPAM issues. However, like I also mentioned, it's just a matter of time before the SPAM harvesters "get in on the act". Regarding #1: My problem, is that if one *can* reply to one of these assistance emails in question, then the sender would think (and probably rightly so), why couldn't I reply with the info about what they were asking? That would tick them off if one replied with some comment other than requested info, and open the door for possible retaliation. You never know with whom you may be dealing with "the general public" or of what they may be capable. Unfortunately, I learned the HARD way some time ago that no good deed goes unpunished. Every time I WOULD answer these types of emails (sent from my websites for example), I'd regret it since they only multiplied; not only from the specific individual, but from others as well they probably notified. My other problem is I find it hard to say "no", or find it hard to ignore these emails and just delete them. I'm too much of a "softie" since I can relate to them because I once too knew nothing. I almost feel guilty about just deleting them and not replying. I just wish they would STOP, then the issue would never show itself. I can't create some type of auto-responder for these type emails for the address I use for the list, since the list would then get the AR. Regarding #2: I touched on yesterday how useful the archives are, and while that header method may help *NEW* members, not have some messages archived would hurt *our members*. Since existing members already have their messages archived, even adding this header would not change what has been done, so this method would only help NEW members with no previously archived posts. However, it could cut down on private emails sent to those in my position, but that brings us back to the fact this would hurt the value and usefulness of the archives for our members. IMO, the only way to prevent this problem is to remove the infamous "reply via email to......" button. Perhaps it can be CHANGED to reply to the LIST, INSTEAD OF the one that posted the email. This should not be a hard thing to do. This way, they'd be prompted to subscribe to the list. We could ALL then potentially benefit from this action. Sure, not all may stay subscribed, but you know *some* would, and the list could get more members this way therefore increasing its overall effectiveness as a "knowledge base". -Clint Happy Holidays to all & God Bless Clint Hamilton, Owner http://OrpheusComputing.com ) http://ComputersCustomBuilt.com ----- Original Message ----- From: "Marlene Coldwell" < Clint, and all concerned, Firstly, Clint; I did reply to your email to me regarding this...must have been trashed by one of your infamous filters ;-). Secondly the "Reply Via Email" button has been in place for a very long time now, I am thinking either when we first began archiving there, or shortly thereafter. There are lots of archives on the net where it is possible to reply to someone who posts to a list. As a general rule, most of us don't have too much to worry about, because we are the "askers" and not the "answerers". I have from time to time had folks email me regarding posts I've made on other lists, and have sometimes been able to help them...sometimes not. It's you guys that knowledge just drips from you post that have the potential to get more than the occasional email from someone looking for a little help, and I certainly understand how that can be more than a slight annoyance for a busy person. I don't, however think that you need to worry about spamming. I don't *think* they will change their format, layout, or whatever it's called for one list. I have emailed them and am awaiting a reply. But here are a few suggestions in the meantime. 1. IF you get an email from a stranger asking you a question, tell them we have a policy at PCWorks, that questions must be asked on-list, and refer them to our website. 2. Now I don't exactly know how to add something to the header of an email but by adding "X-No-Archive: yes" to the headers, your email message will not be archived, as stated below from the Mail-Archive website: Some email messages specifically request not to be archived. Any messages bearing the header X-No-Archive: yes will not be archived by this service. I am sure some of our guru's can tell us how to add this information to the headers if any of you are interested. Now these are not perfect, but at least it is a place to start. I'll advise you all when I hear back from the folks at mail-archive. Thanks, Marlene ============= PCWorks Mailing List ================= Don't see your post? Check our posting guidelines & make sure you've followed proper posting procedures, http://pcworkers.com/rules.htm Contact list owner <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Unsubscribing and other changes: http://pcworkers.com =====================================================
