From: <lees103 at verizon.net>
To: "Keith Lynch's Cat List" <WSFAlist at KeithLynch.net>
Subject: [WSFA] List Management
Date: Sun, 15 Feb 2009 19:23:15 -0500
Reply-To: WSFA members <WSFAlist at KeithLynch.net>

Mr. Webmaster,

            Reference your 11 February 2009 request to "Please tell me
anything else which you think should have been in this message, which I post
every month.  Thanks."  I recommend that you prune your list to eliminate
obsolete information.
    This recommendation is consistent with your request to "please don't
include more . than is necessary to establish context."  Specifically, I
recommend:

        -- That you remove the names and addresses of people who have
unsubscribed to your list or who are known to be dead.  The fact that a
person has unsubscribed indicates that they do not wish to send messages to
your list or to receive messages from your list.  What purpose does
continuing to list their name and address serve?
        -- That you send a personal message to everyone who has not posted
to your list for more than 2 years and ask them if they wish to continue as
members.  If they haven't posted in 2 years, chances are they're no longer
interested.
        -- That you remove the aliases and Net names of past and present
subscribers.  What purpose does listing people's alternate names serve?
        -- That you not whitelist any person unless that person has
expressed a definite interest in being on your list.  As you said "WSFAns
who aren't subscribed to the list do not wish to receive email meant for all
WSFAns."  If you believe that a non-subscriber might be interested in your
list, I recommend that you invite her or him in a personal message rather
than automatically assuming that he or she is interested in joining your
list.

                                                                        --
Lee Strong