[EM] Batch of old messages

[Gervase Lam]

> Date: Wed, 19 Nov 2003 21:41:07 -0800
> From: Rob Lanphier <robla at robla.net>
> Subject: [EM] Batch of old messages

> a.  allow legit posts through, regardless of how old

I don't think this is a good idea.  As you mentioned earlier, somebody 
could have figured out they needed to subscribe and successfully send a 
duplicate post.  Then, months later, it appears on the list again.  People 
could then say, "Huh!  What's going on?"

> b.  allow recent posts through (2-3 days) bounce all posts more than
> three days old, with explanation "please join the list to post"

If the number of days were reduced to 1 day for bouncing posts, I think 
this would be OK.  I think people do tend to reply to threads about 
every 24 hours.  At least that's what I do!

> c.  bounce all posts, with explanation "please join the list to post"

Probably the best option.  This is really the same as option b but with 
the bounce set to 0 days (i.e. immediately) rather than 1 day.  For those 
who read the list very often each day and want to know whether a reply 
they posted has got through, this would be the best option.

The downside is that it would be nice to make the list open.  Doing so 
would mean that people can still contribute to the list even if they don't 
want to put their e-mail address into the database.

> d.  change this to a completely unmoderated list (not really an option,
> see below)

As you say, best not...

Thanks,
Gervase.