From: elf AT netcom DOT com (Marc Singer)
Message-Id: <199611110302.TAA21082@netcom4.netcom.com>
Subject: Re: DJ, can we configure list...
To: lythande AT ecrknox DOT com
Date: Sun, 10 Nov 1996 19:02:24 -0800 (PST)
Cc: djgpp AT delorie DOT com (DJGPP List Alias)
In-Reply-To: <199611102249.RAA27030@simba.smatnet.net> from "Lythande" at Nov 10, 96 05:49:30 pm
MIME-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
Content-Length: 1272      

> > to eliminate our mail addresses?  The RedHat axp list does this. 
> > None of the exchanges on the list have people's return addresses. 
> > All responses are automatically routed to the list.
> 
> Why? So they can spam the list instead, and when someone ruffles 
> someone's fur they can bring petty personal arguements to the list 
> instead of taking it private email?  No thanks.
> 

I've heard this reply from several people, but I don't understand it.
If someone want's to spam a list, they will spam the list.  It is not
possible to stop this.  By removing our personal addresses, we make it
more difficult for the unscrupulous to cul addresses from normal list
and newsgroup exchanges.  This list does get spammed periodically with
advertisements for sex-chat and
get-rich-without-leaving-your-livingroom schemes.  I rather see them
all go away, wouldn't you?

It turns out that the RedHat lists do not eliminate user addresses
completely.  Their primary change is thatmail automatically returns to
the list when you reply to a message.  This feature is not universally
liked, so I can understand that some lists don't implement it.  It is
possible to hide user's addresses completely by making a small change
to the scripts for SmartList.  

-- Marc Singer