[WelMac] List archives... Open or Not?

[Jo Booth]

/me wondered why this didn't turn up on the list... :)

Begin forwarded message:

> From: Jo Booth <jo at welmac.org.nz>
> Date: 13 February 2006 8:27:41 PM
> To: WelMac Discussion List <discussions at welmac.org.nz>
> Cc: jo at welmac.org.nz
> Subject: List archives... Open or Not?


Something i've been pondering for a while - as list admin - is  
whether to open the archives to the list or not.  At present only  
list subscribers can view them at <http://nzmac.org/mailman/private/ 
welmac_nzmac.org/> - eg: this post is at: <http://nzmac.org/mailman/ 
private/welmac_nzmac.org/2006-February/000064.html>

The philosphy for the list was that it was initially for WelMac  
members - but anyone can join and ask a question or read posts

PROS:
* Google searches for obscure topics discussed on list can lead to  
more people on the list - or more people getting help with Macs etc.
* Anyone can search/read back posts before they join - so they know  
what we talk about etc.
* Google searches for your name can end up at a list post you did six  
months ago.
* Most of the Apple discussion lists on Apple.com are open... you  
still need to be a subscriber to send/receive an email though

CONS:
*Anyone gets to see your name when you post to the list - not just  
subscribers.
(Email addresses are munged so the spam robots [might not] find them)
* Google searches for your name can end up at a list post you did six  
months ago.
* People can sign up to the list anyway to view them (it's a pain if  
you can't see if its worth it first though)

Google Battle reckons yes.. so do I.  Does anyone care?
<http://www.googlebattle.com/index.php?domain=public+list 
+archive&domain2=private+list+archive&submit=Go%21>

Hit reply, and let us know if it's an issue. Otherwise i'll do it in  
a week or so.
WelMac is going to push the list a bit shortly - so we can expect a  
few more subscribers soon. ;)

-Jo
List Admin Guy

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