hi all,
 
just to summarize what we have so far  (trying to take in only what refers to problem definition and solutions offered so far) -
 
Problems -
  1. off topic postings
  2. top-posting, lines too long, subject line unacceptable for some reason
  3. same questions/ problems being thrown up repeatedly
 
Some solutions offered so far -
1. seperate mailing lists - sorted on questions, not people - therefore, a user sending a question should see where it belongs and post to that list.
2. subscribers themselves reply to their first post
3. auto response to mails with a particular kind of subjects/ no subjects
4. members should read the first mail which specifies the guidelines

It may help to look at these problems considering the
 
Purpose of this mailing list -
 
To provide space to linux users - new and old - to discuss and solve linux-related problems.
note : anyone can join the list. The list does not have a fixed moderator and depends on the maturity of individual members to keep things smooth.
 
 
 
Everyone is free to add to the points above to make it comrpehensive but compact.
 

 
hereon, i am stating my personal opinions
 
for a list that is free in nature, the problems 1 and 2 will occur.
I feel people should stay cool - any of these defaults - just delete the mail.
a consistent defaulter can be complained against , given a warning, and then unsubscribed / told to unsubscribe for not following simple rules and bringing the group down rather than up with his presence.
 
a copy of the guidelines can be sent every month like that reminder mail that comes for the password -  i find that we refer a lot to those first mail guidelines but have not posted them again in the 100 odd mails exchanged.
 
I think it is natural that unless an issue is capped and documented for reference, it will come up and get discussed again and again.
lets put our thoughts into making our discussions better accessible for the future - classified archives/ faq/ any other way
= i think this is a worthwhile activity into which the linux professionals can put their minds, and specify the quantum of work to be done. then let people put their hands up to do it.
it will benefit a lot of people for a lot of time.
 
evaluate if a moderator can be had, on a rotational basis. he needs to work only by exception, if people default on some stated parameters.
 
 
HTH
Abhijit
 
guys, i echo the sentiment that this issue is taking up too much time and space - lets finish it off once and for all.