[C320-list] Let's keep the list useful to many

[Doug Treff]

Before we dive into the technical and logistical matters, I would like 
to state that the list has shown me enough value to stick it out through 
the current email storm of event replies, etc. And for those of us in 
the Northern Hemisphere - at LEAST we can talk about sailing even if our 
boats are on the hard for the next few months!

I think what really needs to be done is for "events" to be done through 
an invitation based system where people can respond on a web site rather 
than here in the forum. It's impossible to get everyone to take the time 
to change the "To" address on their responses before sending. There are 
just too many people of various levels of knowledge with email and some 
just don't understand what they are doing wrong. A perfect example of a 
web based e-vite system is http://www.evite.com/. Maybe we can try that 
one next time. It's free and easy to use.

Encouraging those people who are complaining to move to the digest type 
subscription will only make things worse because when they reply to a 
digest email, it will copy the entire day's digest into the reply. And 
don't even tell me that they will remember to remove all the quoted 
text... we all know how it will end.   ;-)

As has been pointed out many times, a forum based system will suit many 
of the more savvy people but we will lose some who just prefer email. 
Unless the forum has an email gateway for those people we will lose some 
of them and their collective knowledge. It has also been pointed out 
that the questions are answered more quickly when they arrive in 
everyone's inbox, versus a forum where people who are out of season 
might not even log in for weeks at a time to check their messages.

Those of you struggling with the flood of emails might be well served to 
look at mail filtering rules to move the c-320 messages into a 
sub-folder under your inbox. I belong to many email lists and that is 
how I have my mail filtered. It really keeps my inbox clear. Also - many 
email systems allow you to sort your messages by thread so all these 
replies can be grouped together. PROBLEM SOLVED! There are too many 
different email clients and web based systems to provide instructions 
here, but most of the good ones now have those features. Take a minute 
and search for them. Google is your friend.

Rather than lash out at everyone for sending too many emails, take a few 
moments to learn something new about your email system and it will make 
your life easier in all aspects, not just for the C-320 list.

Just my $0.02...

Doug Treff
doug at treff.us

On 1/20/2014 3:40 AM, Simon Rock wrote:
> We could always move over to a forum based system!
> It would solve all the problems.
>
> Cheers
> (only got to 102F here today).
>
> Simon Rock
> 0428 175510
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
> [mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Gmail
> Sent: Saturday, 18 January 2014 10:22 AM
> To: C320-List at Catalina320.com
> Cc: <c320-list at lists.catalina320.com>
> Subject: Re: [C320-list] Let's keep the list useful to many
>
> Bruce and Rendezvous Folks,
>
> I would like to echo Tonys very polite and subtle email, which simply states
> a majority of us value this list for Catalina 320 information which applies
> to us all, whereas a demand for a RSVP on a event applies to a few?  If I am
> wrong and this list is to become a social outlet then I will withdrawal from
> the list and look for you on Facebook with all the social folks......less is
> more...it will suck to work on my boat without the benefit of your expenses
> opps I mean experience....
> Cheers
> Nic
>
> PS not attending