[mapserver-users] slightly offtopic -- mapserver forums

[Stephen Woodbridge]

I'll way in with Dan. Keep the email, if it is possible to enhance the
archive so it is like a web based system then that OK with me.

BTW, you don't have to "search" the archive you can also browse it by
threads. Part of the restrictions on posting is to keep the spam down, I
am assuming that that is handled as well on the web based systems?

Also, does this majordomo have a mode like "no-mail" where you are
subscribed but don't get any mail? If it does then you can be sub'd and
not get mail, browse the archives, and still post email to the list.

I know it is not what you want Puneet, but it might be better than what
you have today. - Just a thought.

-Steve

Daniel Morissette wrote:
> 
> Puneet Kishor wrote:
> >
> > Hmmmm... I knew there would be detractors, but I didn't expect the voice of
> > dissent so soon. :-)
> >
> 
> I was waiting quietly in the hope that there would be more supporters of
> the web option to consider their arguments... but since you ask... ;)
> 
> ... I vote for keeping an Email-based list (just like I did last time
> this question came up)... I *never* have time to browse the web for
> interesting threads to read... so if it doesn't fall in my Inbox then
> I'll never know that an issue came up.
> 
> This being said, if you want to mirror the list on the web somewhere
> with a better archive then I'm with you on that, but the basic concept
> has to remain IMHO: there has to be a 100% Email service for those who
> prefer that.
> 
> > >
> > > To address a couple of your wishes: you can search the
> > > archives for this
> > > list at http://mapserver.gis.umn.edu/cgi-bin/wilma/mapserver-users and
> > > you'll find the archives there as well. You can browse by date or by
> > > thread, in one-month chunks.
> >
> > I know. I've done that. And it sucks.
> >
> 
> I agree with the need for a better archive and search engine.  But that
> can be done without changing the current Email-based system and could
> address most of the needs that you expressed.  You could even host this
> secondary archive yourself without even telling UMN if you wanted.
> 
> > That said, how do I do the following with the current setup --
> >
> > 1. Get emails only on a particular thread (most impt) ?
> 
> But how do you learn about that thread in the first place?  Most threads
> on the MapServer list are 2 or 3 messages long at max, so by the time
> you subscribe then it's over.
> 
> > 2. If I am following the thread by searching the archives (as suggested
> > above), then how do I post to the thread -- I can't post unless I am
> > subscribed, and as soon as I subscribe I am back to problem #1 above.
> 
> The requirement to subscribe in order to be allowed to post was added in
> order to limit SPAM AFAIK.  If you switch to a system where you can post
> by Email in a specific thread (you suggested that in your reply to
> Allan) then you're back with the SPAM problem.  More limited maybe, but
> the potential for SPAM comes back.
> 
> > 3. How do I access my emails when I am away from my computer (I am assuming
> > not everyone has IMAP)?
> 
> You can always browse the web archives...
> 
> > 4. And (2nd most impt. after #1 above) how do I send an attachment for a few
> > folks to view without having it broadcast to all 4 million (last count)
> > Mapserver users :-)?
> >
> 
> How about sending a personal Email to those individuals with just the
> attachment in parallel to the list message?
> 
> > I understand not everyone is gonna like the web way of doing forums. I do
> > think it has some major advantages over the old listserv way.
> >
> 
> I guess I'm old then... and probably getting stubborn too!  ;)
> 
> --
> ------------------------------------------------------------
>  Daniel Morissette               morissette at dmsolutions.ca
>  DM Solutions Group              http://www.dmsolutions.ca/
> ------------------------------------------------------------
>   Don't put for tomorrow what you can do today, because if
>       you enjoy it today you can do it again tomorrow.