[WarInEur] An Interesting Observation

[sgminfo]

Paul S. Person wrote:
> My last post to this list produced one response on the list and no
> less than SIX off the list. Some of there were to me, some had me as
> CC.
>
> So, I think I know why the list appears to die from time to time:
> people aren't actually posting to the list, but rather to each other.
>
> I can empathize with this situation. The program I use (Agent)
> automatically copies the email address of the poster when I hit the
> "reply" button. I have to manually replace it with the group address
> -- and I would not be surprised to learn that I have forgotten to this
> in the past.
>
> /rant mode on/
> The point of the list is that everyone gets to see everything, thus
> encouraging group discussion. I can only urge more care in responding.
> /rant mode off/
>   

Yes much of what you are saying has an unusually resonant air with this 
list...

Is is on a very singular subject, a game, with email facilites, and an 
abnormally long consumption time.
So those who converse also end up gaming,
and those games can last years.

So side channels open up,
and many gamers end up lifelong associates and friends,
rather like other gaming groups.


However,
some are more fortunate than others.

For example the list serves as a group "glue" in some senses, in ways 
that many mail servers find objectionable.

For example Aol has very particular anti-spamming policies, so an email 
to more than 3 or 4 addresses in quick succession tends to get you 
blocked as a potential spammer, with all the attendant hassle, and with 
griups a list distribution system is often uniquely appropriate as a 
means of communication.

-|steve|-