Perhaps the "Off topic:" could be just one of several subject line prefixes
that would clue the reader to the real purpose of the post.  Possible
prefixes could be:

   Off topic:   <posts not related to the HP3000>
   Humor:       <humorous posts>
   PLUG:        <a general "our product is so wonderful" plug>
   NEW:         <Post plugging a "new" product>
   JOB:         <a job posting>
   WANTED:      <a request for some unusual or no longer manufactured item>

I guess the job postings I hate the most are those that have the simple
subject line "HELP!"  Boy, those really get me mad!  To me, a subject line
beginning with "HELP!" implies a very severe emergency, based upon my
experience on the list.  My personal feeling is that no job posting falls
into this category, and subject lines beginning with "HELP!" should be
reserved for those instances where the system is (or systems are) down,
management is screaming, and there is a good likelihood that the writer
will lose his/her job if the system isn't up in very short order (minutes?).

Comments?

John
--------------------------------------------------------------
John Korb                            email: [log in to unmask]
Innovative Software Solutions, Inc.

The thoughts, comments, and opinions expressed herein are mine
and do not reflect those of my employer(s), or anyone else.