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What to Expect on Your List
You may find it helpful to print this page and check off each task as you complete it or become familiar with the process.
| You will see messages from researchers who are trying mailing lists for the first time, perhaps brand new to genealogy or new to this format of genealogical research. They may panic, thinking they are getting someone else's mail, or ask questions that are quite basic compared to others on your list. Your patience will set the tone for the rest of the list's subscribers. | |
| Not everyone will follow the correct procedures or processes, no matter how clearly they are explained. A common occurrence is people who write to the list and ask to unsubscribe. If that happens, you can either go into the List Tools and unsubscribe them or write to them separately and explain what the correct process is. | |
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Lists will go into quiet periods; discussions on new lists can be non-existent or minimal. Prompt discussions; everyone may be waiting for someone else to start, and you may need to be the "someone." Discussions will start faster if you have given the list members something to talk about. Are you afraid you will only be talking to yourself, especially if your list is new? Log into your List Tools to view the number of list subscribers; or use the "View all subscribers" option in the "Add, remove or search for subscriber" section to see the number of subscribers. If you wish, go into the "Customized Settings" and opt to receive a notice when someone subscribes. However, unless you are an experienced administrator or have read through the help pages on maintaining your list, we suggest that you NOT change other settings until you understand the impact the changes may cause. |
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| If the list is going off-topic (against guidelines you set for the list), the sooner you bring it back on focus, the easier it will be. One topic that seems to take on a life of its own is virus warnings. You may want to post a message when the first warning is posted, directing list members to the HelpDesk pages on virus or suggest they subscribe to the VIRUS-DISCUSSION list. | |
| Problems or disputes may arise between different subscribers, or between you and a subscriber. As a rule, RootsWeb does not get involved in these disputes. Bringing the list back on focus as quickly as possible will be most effective and least traumatic for everyone. For suggestions on how to deal with disputes, read the help pages on list conflicts. |
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