I have been a s_u_b_s_c_r_i_b_e_r to this list, on and off, for a couple of
years (on and off, because I travel and don't need 1,000s of emails from
various lists when I am on the move!). However, I find many of the post
threads extremely interesting and informative and read the list when time
permits. I also use the archives on occasions.
I have many times wanted to post to the EOS list, but am usually frustrated
by the lack of instructions for performing same.
Maybe I am too old to learn new tricks (although I have worked in the
ever-changing computer industry for the last 35 years and make constant use
of the internet) but whenever I want to post to the list, I inevitably fail.
There are no obviously accessible instructions which scream out "How to Post
to the EOS List".
Typically, I do something similar to the following:
1. Examine a list posting for a reference URL that will give me
instructions regarding the correct procedure to post to the EOS list.
2. I find the "List Instructions" URL provided at the bottom of every EOS
posting and click! There is nothing on this page that informs me of the
email address for new postings.
3. OK, use the link to the "main page" provided at the bottom of the this
page: now I end up at the WJM site main page which doesn't seem to help me.
4. I then dig up my original subscription information (I retain copies of
all my subscription email in a folder), and locate the "Welcome to eos-mail"
email.
5. I search the email for posting instructions, but cannot find any.
6. I then go to the FAQ URL (http://members.home.net/jul.loke/faq.html), a
URL that I have saved from previous searches - it was not in the
subscription email that I received.
7. I then browse the FAQ looking for posting instructions. Nothing obvious.
The Table of Contents does not appear to list a relevant heading! I find
headings such as "What Can I Post" and "What not to Post" but not "How to
Post"! Neither searches nor lengthy browses turn up the magic instructions.
Frustration has normally set in by this time, and I go on to do other
things.
However, sometimes I go on to search the older FAQ's. In one of these, the
"Definitions" section informs me that I can post to the list using the
address:
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Why is this not in the latest FAQ? And, is it correct? Apparently not -- my
attempt to use this URL generated a bounce message.
Some of you may be thinking "How dumb, why didn't he just use the URL
"[EMAIL PROTECTED]" which is the "To:" address on every posting?"
Simple! I do not know the list system. If this address is used in some list
systems, everyone, including digest recipients and others, get sprayed with
my email. I prefer to do the right thing and ensure that I use the correct
address.
Then, I happened to open one of my earlier subscription welcome emails
titled "Welcome to EOS". It contained the words:
Mail:
All MAIL to the list should be sent to:
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
Maybe this means that to post to the list, I should use the above email
address. It is not clear, but it is worth a try . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . .
Oh no! Bounced again. Let's check. Correct email address? OK. Text format?
OK. Baka deshoo, I have used a form of the word "s_u_b_s_c_r_i_b_e" in this
message. Let's go!
Bounced again! OK ------ Maybe I shouldn't include email address of the lail
list in the message?!?!?! Let's insert underscores to eliminate that
possibility.
Bounced again! Hmmm. I have a number of ISP accounts (I travel, remember).
Maybe it doesn't like different accounts - OK let me make my e-mail address
and the reply address the same and send the email via the ISP with that
email addy. Try again!
To quote a well-known person "The desire to uderstand is sometimes far less
intelligent than the inability to understand". Actually, I'm afraid that I
have no desire to understand that quote (I suspect that it is a lossy
translation - technical phrase!)
Regards, from an apparently dumb old fart who believes that the use of
technology should be simple and intuitive (it may very well possible, but
human beings stuff it up?!)
Chris P Henshaw
+61 7 3899 2767 (phn)
+61 7 3899 4767 (fax)
+61 4 1044 2767 (cell)
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
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