I don't think the list is slow at all, not when you consider that there is certainly an option that Jay simply does not have time to moderate it and could shut it off. I seem to remember Jay asking for help to moderate the list a while back. I wonder if anybody stepped up to the plate? I don't consider Jay grumpy at all, since he is providing wonderful services free (this list AND web hosting). Don't know about the old part. I wish I had the time and expertise to help out. Until then, all I can say is: Jay, thanks for whatever time you can devote to the list. (purposely untrimmed, yes, I know the thread was a question, not a complaint. Just hate to have Jay think now we are complaining about the services he provides.) Joe Heck Jay West wrote:

Jerome Fine replies: I have been mostly lurking for a while - busy with my family. In addition, I usually download at most twice a week, usually only once a week. So I guess I don't even get into the arguments. JAY!! THANK YOU FOR ALL OF YOU EFFORTS IN HOSTING!!! YOU ARE ENTITLED TO RUN THINGS EXACTLY AS YOU ARE!!! PERSONALLY, I WOULD HAVE CUT THINGS OFF MUCH SOONER!!! A suggestion. Perhaps when any thread starts to go off-topic and strong feelings are being expressed, the "inmates" might think for a few extra minutes before sending a reply. Specifically, when the total number of off-topic posts for any given tread (or any of its children however disguised) exceeds a threshold such as 20 (personally I would use 10) posts, then a delay of one day should substantially reduce any unreasonable responses. In addition, each person should then be limited to a maximum of TWO additional posts to that thread!!!!!!!!!! ANY person who exceeds these "voluntary" guidelines would be liable: (a) Placed on the "REQUIRED TO BE MODERATED" list for one month, or (b) Banned from the list for one month, whichever Jay decides depending on how Grumpy Old Jay feels. On other suggestion might be to limit the total number of posts to 50 a day with any extra being delayed to be sent the following day and be part of the total for the following day. I notice that this is probably the present limit for Jay in any case which is probably a good result since perhaps posts which pertain to my last point will be avoided so that more important posts will make it to the plate. FINALLY, WHILE I AGREE THAT IT TAKES ME ONLY A FEW SECONDS TO DELETE A HUMOROUS 5 WORD REPLY, I REALLY SEE NO POINT!!! Perhaps the "inmates" might consider that it is only adding a lot of chaff to the mix to toss off a quick reply that adds nothing to a topic that is really off-topic in the first place. And I suggest that everyone limit themselves to ONE response to my suggestions. I personally will not reply since I probably will not download for another week in any case. Sincerely yours, Jerome Fine -- If you attempted to send a reply and the original e-mail address has been discontinued due a high volume of junk e-mail, then the semi-permanent e-mail address can be obtained by replacing the four characters preceding the 'at' with the four digits of the current year.