more lists and more lists and more lists Was: Creating a flat file

My $.02.

1 - I don't subscribe to CPF0000 and probably never will.  Even I, 
occasionally, have to perform real work.  I also don't subscribe to 
midrangeNontech.
2 - Too many lists is also a ridiculous way to go.  I thought it was silly 
that WDSC split off of CODE.  Be worse than having a separate list for 
RPGII, RPG400 and RPGLE.  Although when I see a RPGII question my first 
thought is "Sucks to be you" and if it doesn't catch my eye really fast I 
skip it.  I'm almost feeling the same way about RPG400.  But breaking them 
up would take exposure away from those that need to see the light.
3 - About seeing the light... Sometimes a little exposure to other stuff 
is a good thing.  Like, someone who couldn't give a whit about performance 
tuning an i just might see a little tidbit that sinks in and saves the day 
at their office.
4 - As others have said it ain't that hard to not read some emails.  If 
marketing really turns you off it's really easy to blast those subject 
lines.
5 - Email filters.  Learn to know and love your email programs ability to 
do filters.  None of the lists I subscribe to stay in my inbox.  Heck I 
have over a thousand unread emails in my inbox (but none in midrange-l). 
Only interested in SQL?  Create a filter that says if it came from 
midrange-l and the body contains SQL put it one folder.  If it gets past 
that and the from line still contains midrange-l put it into a different 
folder.  Clean that other folder out on occasion.

Email etiquette.
- Change the FREAKing subject line.  What does this gibberish have to do 
with the original OP's request to create a flat file?  About as much as 
their request had to do with RPG.  So, in a perverse way, I guess that's 
justice.
- Do NOT start a new thread with a "reply to".  Even if you change the 
subject line, and don't send any history, it still messes up the archives. 
 Got to be some hidden field that ties it to a thread somewhere.  It isn't 
that hard to create a couple of entries in your personal address book for 
RPG400 and MIDRANGE-L.  And if you're using MySpam (otherwise known as 
Exchange) don't worry about the list getting spammed if someone attacks 
your personal address book.  David does a fantastic job of catching that.
- Never do a reply to with History to start a new thread.  God, I sure 
hope those who have just had a brain fart and didn't really mean to.

Rob Berendt