At 09:11 08-11-99 , ches(at)io.com wrote:
>Yes, but as we have seen the list managers 
>have no wish or inclination to explore the options 
>this software can do!

Actually this has been discussed in the past, when the Guild actually had a
mailing list where they could listen to member's views. Since this relates
to software tools, I'll stretch things a tad and reply on just this one list.

There are no functional benefits to doing what is suggested, and sound
reasons against doing so.

Two ~features~ are being requested...

... that mailing list headers identify the particular mailing list, for
filtering by the user's email client.

... that the recipient's email client identify the mailing list in the
subject line.

Note that the list already does the first... each list (all HWG and many
(likely most) others) has a Sender: header line that uniquely identifies
the list. I'll venture that most subscribers to these lists rely on this
feature to filter their incoming email.

Note also that how the email is presented by the client software (mail
reader) is a client issue.  it is your email program, let it do what you
want. Nor is this a frivolous point... email programs such as Eudora have
that very feature for those who want it.

There are also at least two good reasons against doing what is proposed
(mungling the subject line) ...

... many (likely most) mail readers have a window that lists the pending
messages one per line, with the first part of each subject line...
cluttering up part of that field makes it effectively smaller (and less
useful).

... it is not reversible... there is no way for the email client to restore
the subject line to its original content...

There is a basic system design feature here... provide a flexible interface
that allows a variety of tastes to do what they wish, and to keep things
simple.  The existing system is well designed, in that it meets these goals
quite nicely. Since it works, no reason to break it. 

Safe computing,  /Harold

ps. I can't resist noting that the request message did not even comply with
its own recommendation that the list name be on the subject line... further
demonstrating the futility, when even those who suggest the motivation to
do so do not.

pps. The Guild Web site has detailed information on how to filter email
messages with a variety of email client applications. Please, folks, RTFM.

ppps. A message with something like seven list targets has a strong
resemblance with the original definition of SPAM. And is similarly annoying
and objectionable. Particularly when it raises issues that are already
addressed and answered on the Guild Web site. Please, folks, RTFM.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Harold A. Driscoll                       mailto:harold(at)driscoll.chi.il.us
#include <std/disclaimer>      http://homepage.interaccess.com/~driscoll/

• Web Designer Courses
• Off the Shelf Training Courses

HWG: hwg-software mailing list archives, maintained by Webmasters @ IWA