The New Listserv Gets Rolled Out

ByWayne Willis

As noted last month, we sought your input about our new Listserv.  (See “We Need A New Listserv. Your Input Needed.”)  Thanks for the feedback and comments.

After trying a few commercial packages, I chose an updated version of the software that YAA used, GNU Mailman 2.2, a free, open-source package.  I’ve configured and tested it to ensure that it’s easy for you to use, easy for me to administer (smile), secure and likely to be delivered to your email inbox without being caught in any spam filters.  Like all free, open-souce software, it has some limitations, but nothing fatal IMHO.

Here’s the rollout plan:

  1. Alpha Testing.  In early April, we did some vigorous testing with a small group and got many of the rough edges polished.  
  2. Beta Testing.  We then invited about 20 members of the Class Council to test further.  Some were technically adept, while others were Ludd-lites (having limited technical skills.)  That gave a good cross section of the class.The beta test resolved some additional issues.  The only issue that showed up (in about 20% of the cases) was the occasional filtering — where an email inbox would shove the message into a spam filter or someplace other than the main inbox.  This happens to all mailing lists, but is easily remedied at the user’s computer or phone. (Solution: white-list the Yale1969.org domain in your email software or add everyone-request@Yale1969.org to your address book.)
  3. Everyone Else.  We will then add subscribers in daily groups of 50 or so.  That way, if anything breaks, I can address any issues within our available time.
  4. All Done.  When everyone is aboard, we’ll send a message to the whole list that the Listserv is fully operational.
There may be some teething pains as we use this new facility.  Your patience will be appreciated.

I’ve also created a permanent “Listserv Summary” page under the “Help” menu item in the masthead above that explains everything.  PLEASE read the Listserv Summary page.

It summarizes how and when to use the listserv.  Remember, when you send something to everyone@Yale1969.org, you are sending something to every member of the class.  

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