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>But given a choice, I would prefer to see
>message-numbers reinstated everywhere, emails and all.
>
>George.

The message-numbers system had developed into a handy means of
referencing past postings. I agree with George that their return
would be welcomed. Frank, you say the numbers are still there but
they are hidden. Why is that?

I must agree with George about the question of anonymity as well.
Call me old fashioned, but it is a question of courtesy. If someone
has a question that (s)he would like to put before the list for its
consideration and - hopefully - a response, then it is only fair, and
polite, that (s)he should give us some information about themselves,
even if it a nickname (which most of us would seem to dislike).

Frank responds that having to give out such information can be
inhibiting. Firstly, social interaction is something we all have to
learn as we grow up. Just because the Internet gives us the ability
to interact anonymously does not make it a healthy way to interact.
Secondly, I find it inhibiting to reply to someone who will not even
give me his/her name. It would be to the advantage of the would-be
anonymous poster that (s)he gave us some sort of handle and
preferably, a real name.

On this matter, I would welcome the thoughts of John Huth, who first
dipped his toes into the list as "Apache Runner". Why did he feel it
necessary to use a nickname? Why was it that he then became relaxed
enough to start signing off with his real name?

My experience of email lists is undoubtedly very limited and self
selecting, but this is the only one I belong to that allows
completely anonymous postings. I would prefer that this list, too,
insisted on some form of identification.

Geoffrey

   

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