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Re: [HAPS-L] Does your institution run L-Soft Listserv software?

Title: Re: [HAPS-L] Does your institution run L-Soft Listserv  software?
Hey Jean,

Thanks for your prompt and thoughtful reply.

We decided not to use Listserv since I was able to arrange for hosting of the HAPS list on ibiblio.org using the Mailman GNU software product. Free!

Easy to administer and for members to change the parameters of their sub. Our list is also unmoderated but permission is required to join the list. It handles bounces nicely and has simple tools for rejecting or including posts from outside the list. I sent our list of subscribers and their sysadmin loaded it for us. Nice service.

Thanks for your discussion of list privacy. I intend to include some language like that in our welcome page. I always treat emails as easily forwardable since they are. Our members also pass along drollery from the classroom but always protect student identities (illegal to do otherwise under Federal statute and regs).

I do remember that nitwit who kept posting messages that didn’t belong and your final dispatch of him. We all felt a welcome relief. For the most part, our members are self-policing but from time to time the list manager reminds us of what proper list etiquette is.

Real names only is a good rule.

After we  have some experience with the new software, feel free to contact us for an update on how it has worked for us.

Best wishes (and glad we whipped you at BB last night),
Alan



From: Jean Dickey <dickeyj@xxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Thu, 22 Feb 2007 11:11:26 -0500
To: Alan Magid <amagid@xxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Re: FW: [HAPS-L] Does your institution run L-Soft Listserv  software?

Hi Alan,

Biolab-l runs on Listserv software. I'm not sure what version, but can find out if you need to know. Apparently it is a slimmed-down version that does not include options such as archiving.

Administering the list used to be a more time-consuming task than it is now. We started on Listproc software, and it was difficult for me to edit the subscriber list. On Listserv, it is probably easier for me to do it myself than for subscribers to add or delete themselves. What I do now is:
Biolab is not moderated (a moderator screens all posts). That would be way too time consuming.

When the list started, people were much less familiar with e-mail and lists, and I spent more time explaining things to individuals. Now that's not a problem.

There are a few options that the list-owner can set, but any problems with the server or with Listserv are taken care of by the University IT people.

I think people who post on Biolab understand the lack of real privacy in e-mail, and especially listservs. Although we occasionally post anecdotes about students, they are never specifically identified. The typical biolabber doesn't go any farther than poking a bit of fun at silly exam answers or excuses. We may bemoan administrative decisions about funding or teaching credits, etc, but again, I don't think anyone posts things they wouldn't say in a semi-public situation. (Maybe not to publish in a newspaper, but certainly not private.)

You may recall several years ago when we had a problem with a high school teacher who insisted on venting about his administrators, fellow teachers, students, his personal information, and whatever irked him. Despite being told by myself and other biolabbers that his posts weren't appropriately professional, he kept on until I removed him from the list. That's the only serious problem we've had in over a decade of Biolab.

Also, all Biolab subscribers use their real name. No screen names are allowed.

Best regards,
Jean

At 11:15 AM 2/21/2007, you wrote:
Jean-

I used to be active on Biolab-L and so I am turning to you on behalf of HAPS
- the A&P teachers group - for your input on the privacy issues surrounding
an academic listserv.

Has the issue raised by Dr. Jackson been a concern at Biolab-L. Also, how
much time does it take to administer the biolab list?

Thanks for any help.

-Alan Magid

PS We have no HAPS members at Clemson and so I am not looking there for a
host.