On 4 Jan 2008 at 16:24, Harold Fuchs wrote:
...
> includes the "subject=" syntax allowed for such links; the subject set 
> by the syntax is the "[moderated..." rubbish everyone is complaining 
> about. Note that when you click this link a blank, properly addressed 
> message opens up with the cursor already positioned within the body of 
> the message.
...
> In addition, the instructions go on to say that the *body* of the 
> message should read "/I am using version X.Y of OpenOffice.org. My 
> problem is :" /which is presumably where that particular garbage comes 
> from (people actually have told us that theirs is version X.Y).

I think the web page makes invalid assumptions about the skills and 
common-sense possessed by those using the website.  To most people 
/here/, a subject line such as "CHANGE ME" is inviting one to do just 
that - yet a newbie may think it is some magic incantation provided by 
"the system" and which mustn't be changed on pain of death or worse. 
Likewise the "version X.Y" stuff.

Given the very nature of a lot of the "newbie questions", one has to 
entertain grave doubts as to the extent of /any/ of some people's IT 
skills.

WRT the web site, a few lines of javascript would prevent empty 
subjects being sent; I suspect that most of those who know enough to 
turn off scripting would realise the importance of an email subject 
line.

I /still/ think the moderators should be replaced by an automated 
system that screens out the obvious questions and sends back an 
appropriate FAQ entry, plus further instructions for getting volunteer 
help. Not at all my field of expertise, otherwise I'd code some sort of 
exemplar for discussion.

-- 
http://www.scottsonline.org.uk lists incoming sites blocked because of 
spam
[EMAIL PROTECTED]    Mike Scott, Harlow, Essex, England



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