[Techtalk] private replies/ list replies

[Carla Schroder]

 ***please reply to list-only***

On Sunday 06 June 2004 9:46 am, Devdas Bhagat wrote:
> On 06/06/04 09:26 -0700, Carla Schroder wrote:
> >
> > 
> > hey gang,
> > 
> > The last few times I've posted questions here, I got bales of nice helpful 
> > replies- offlist. I don't understand this. I expect list questions to be 
> > answered on the list, so that everyone can benefit. Is there some sekrit 
> > Techtalk rule I'm unaware of?  :)
> Most people just hit reply. A lot of client software does not have a
> reply to list function. Nothing super secret, just happens.

I configure my mail client so that it replies to messages the way I want it 
to. I believe most Techtalkers are savvy enough to also figure out how to 
send their mail where they want it to go.

> 
> In more detail (this is serious flamewar territory, on the lines of vi
> vs emacs):
> Mailing list maintainers can choose to set a Reply-To header to the list
> address, overriding the one set by the user.
> 

It's trivial to configure a mail client, or to actually pay attention to where 
your message is addressed before hitting 'send.' 

Most of us have heavy mail volumes and make mistakes from time to time, that's 
no big deal. In this case, it's happening so much I had to say something.

> > 
> > Seriously, it's happening so much I'm wondering why. I appreciate very 
much 
> > all the smart people who share their knowledge- but why the private posts? 
> > Isn't a public discussion the point of using a list?

> Not necessarily. A list is a good way to get in contact with
> knowledgable people, of which a subset will find your problem
> interesting and you only deal with that subset about that problem. 

How does this work, a show of hands? "Only people who are interested raise 
their hands, and we won't talk to anyone else." Also keep in mind that the 
lists are archived, so they are a nice searchable resource for future 
generations.

> 
> Think of a list as a single point of contact helpdesk. 
> 
> When the offlist discussion is done, you need to post a summary to the
> list.

If I want to engage someone in a private discussion, I will contact them 
privately. 

Again, I appreciate very much the help and knowledge that is shared here, I 
don't want to discourage anyone from participating. I just prefer to keep 
list traffic on the list. No one benefits if only questions, and no answers, 
are posted!


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Carla Schroder
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