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

[Rick Sulewski]

Doug, 
Thanks for the timely and thoughtful analysis of email vs. forum vs. reply
to digest email. 

The email approach is the most efficient and effective way of interacting on
matters that need immediate attention when seeking the relevant information
from members who have the knowledge/experience to offer problem-solving
options.

If one does not want to receive list emails, then one could always
consult/monitor the list on the website archive and reply directly to the
sender if everyone is registered as an association member/supporter with
their email addresses posted on the member list. This 320 list is the
greatest value-added benefit of our association membership dues next to the
tool loan program.  I concur that using the e-vite system is the best fit
alternative vs. flooding inboxes with regret messages.
Rick - My-Ria #277
320 Association Member since 1995

-----Original Message-----
From: c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com
[mailto:c320-list-bounces at lists.catalina320.com] On Behalf Of Doug Treff
Sent: Monday, January 20, 2014 11:22 AM
To: c320-list at lists.catalina320.com
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Let's keep the list useful to many

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