Ken Kirby wrote:
> Surely in a LISTSERV where we are treated to lengthy essays on the
> significance of 2001:A Space Oddity, and the endless threads
> concerning obsolete (Osborne, Kaypro) and non-existent (HP6000)
> computers, surely no one would object to 50 or so lines of useful
> code every once in a while ;-)

Using Ken's comment as a segue...

I have heard many times over the years from "dissatisfied" readers of
the list about the volume of traffic and signal-to-noise ratio of the
content.  I can understand their viewpoint, but have never considered
changing the informal atmosphere here.  However, as a first step...

I would like to announce the availability of a new "format" for
receiving the HP3000-L postings -- a "moderated" list called HP3000-M.
Let me emphasize that this is NOT a "new list" - it is intended to be
an alternate delivery format for HP3000-L messages.  At present, it
is moderated (by me) and only messages "on topic" (in my opinion) are
forwarded from HP3000-L to HP3000-M.  Postings are collected in digest
format and mailed out once a week on Sunday (this may change due to
file size).  The previous week's digest condensed down to:

> There are 113 messages totalling 4182 lines in this issue.

The list has no archives at present (I didn't want to duplicate the
HP3000-L archives, and the space required).  Any "replies" are directed
back to HP3000-L, and any attempts to post to HP3000-M are forwarded to
me (where I will simply direct it to HP3000-L).  Also, there is no news
gateway for this list, so there will be no associated newsgroup.  And
while it *is* technically possible for you to change your subscription
options to get individual articles in lieu of the digest, it will be
nothing like HP3000-L for timeliness.  I do the "moderation" in batches,
usually once a day from home in the evenings.  If waiting a "week" is
too long, I can alter it for different timeframes (or volume, such as
every thousand lines).  Comments (e-mail privately/direct) welcomed.

If you want a copy of last week's digest, e-mail me directly and I'll
forward you a copy.  If you wish to subscribe, send mail to:

   <[log in to unmask]>

with the text:

   subscribe HP3000-M Your Name Here

Lastly, this is still in "beta test" mode pending subscriber feedback.
Naturally, I hope everyone here doesn't go running over to HP3000-M, but
I'd much rather have you subscribe to HP3000-M than drop out altogether
if you don't appreciate the volume and content here.  I also hope that
the "word" gets out so that some previously disgruntled/overwhelmed
subscribers will return for the new format.  And finally, if anyone is
willing to help "load-share" moderation responsibility, please contact
me directly.  I'd feel much better with a volunteer "group" for both
backup and editorial diversity.

Hope this fills a niche for some of you out there, and we can increase
our readership.

Jeff Kell <[log in to unmask]>
HP3000-L/HP3000-M Administrator and Flunky-At-Large