RE: Re: Does this list need to ban OT posts???

["Hawes,Timothy Edward \(GEG\)" <haweste@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I tend to agree with Chris (i.e. keep the mailing list), but can
sympathise with the other POV too.

Features of the mailing list I like are:
* Instant notification of new posts (point taken about RSS though)
* Often a quick turnover of replies so it's a good way to get a prompt
response to a particular question
* New posts (usually) arrive in a steady trickle allowing me to dip in
and out throughout the day, and picking up on Ho yin's post, I can still
sort-of look like I'm working when I'm answering a UKHA email
* If I don't read posts as they arrive (busy with work, away from my
desk etc.) I can read them later, at my leisure when not on-line.
* I get to keep / file the messages that are important to me and they're
on *my* PC for me to browse when I choose (e.g. when on a plane)

I use the A-H forums, but nowhere near as much as the mailing list. They
do have their place though. Had the mailing list been a forum format
(IYSWIM) then I wouldn't have to have waded through all of the MAC
stuff. Personally it's of no interest to me but there are a significant
number of people who were/are interested. I wouldn't suggest that it's
OT, or that it be moved off-list, it's just one of those topics that no
doubt everyone sees eventually, that doesn't interest them. (just to be
clear - I'm not slating the MAC at all, it's just a personal example :-)
)

On-topic posts *should* be answered, no excuses, and it's clear that
more initial Googling would cut down some of the OT posts. But then
sometimes you just want the opinions of people you trust.

I'd be quite happy for an OT section on the Forum and I would look at
it, but perhaps only once or twice a week and not every day as with the
current mailing list.

Cheers,

Tim.

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Robert Welsh
>
> On 28 Jun 2005, at 13:26, christopher purves wrote:
>
> > Noooooooooooo don't get rid of the mailing list!!! Is there
> a half way
> > house. A mailing list with forum properties ? A forum that
behavers
> > like a mailing list ?
> >
> > (Just my opinion)
>
> Just to give folks an idea - what aspects of operation of a
> mailing suit you?
> If we can identify how folks use the list then something that
> suits them - but is fundamentally driven by a forum - could
> probably be achieved.
>
> The RSS feed has been mentioned - is it the idea of getting
> 'instant'
> notification of new topics/posts the thing that you like
> about email?
> RSS gives you that.
>
> - Rob