IT Update - An integral part of the WINS "IT" function is the opt-in email Lists, and we've been having some difficulties with them for the last several months. Not difficulties that I can easily fix you see, because they fall more in the area of "operator error".

However, these difficulties would could be easily overcome - IF - List members would simply be more aware of the potential damage a post can do, and maybe take a moment and read through the List Posting Rules again.

I would like to quote our President's remarks in a recent List post:

I would also like to clear the air concerning OT posts on the Talk List. The Posting Rules allow for OT posts, up to a point, because they make the List more "family" like and fun. However, as List Administrator, I am the one who must make the call on when an OT thread has gotten out of hand. There is no hard fast, written rule to use, but here's my guideline: about two dozen posts lasting not more than a couple of hours, and then I step in - unless of course I start receiving complaints.

Once complaints are received concerning a particular post, it is time to reevaluate the thread and possibly take action sooner than my own "guidelines" might indicate. When it is necessary for me to post an "end thread" there are a couple of things those posting to that thread need to remember. First, an "end tread" announcement means stop. It doesn't matter if you were ready to send another message or not. Any post time-stamped after the "end thread" hits the List subjects the sender to sanctions. Second, any member filling a complaint about a thread need not be concerned about anyone finding out who made the complaint. The information stays in my records which are NOT public information. Even the board might be hard pressed to obtain that data. Lastly, please don't argue with the "end thread" notice. It really won't change a thing except maybe to make things worse.

With your help, the Lists will remain active and fun for all.

Web Site Update - As has been mentioned elsewhere, the new "Member's Collecting Interests" page is online and being updated on a regular basis. Although a topic of discussion in the past, nothing ever came of it because of personal/collection security concerns, but Lawrence Oei, WINS#359, took the bull by the horns. He put the first version together, put it online and it quickly became a success.

After several email exchanges, I learned that he had originally hoped the page would go on the WINS web site and didn't have any problem with it being moved. The board decided that if it data placed within the table were of a general enough nature, then members would be able to share it with others yet still be afforded reasonable security. Members can even provide a recent images of themselves for posting which makes the whole concept a lot more family friendly. After all, how many times have you been exchanging email with someone only to wonder what they look like.

The only real restriction is that to participate, you must be an active member. Not an active member, but you'd like to be? Just enroll on one (or both) of the two opt-in email Lists. Then gather your information together and send it to me in an email. I'll take care of the rest.