The Sethworks Mooseum Annex Wing - Digest Mode Reference

To start with, one subscribes to Sethworks with a message to listproc@mlist.access.digex.net (the Subject line will be ignored) that says in the body:

subscribe sethworks {put your full name here ...without these brackets->}

That kicks off the initial avalanche of mail.  Going to Digest mode gives the same messages, yet it drastically cuts down on the number of pieces of mail in ones mailbox.  The trade-off is: since the messages are periodically collected and sent off together in one digest package, some of the messages would be received later than otherwise. 

One goes to Digest mode by sending another message to listproc@mlist.access.digex.net (again, the Subject line will be ignored) that says in the body:

set sethworks mail digest

Now.  Suppose one decides that the mail comes in too slow in Digest mode and wants to switch back.  Fire off another message to listproc@mlist.access.digex.net that says in the body:

set sethworks mail ack

That puts the subscriber back in the original message-by-message mode.  Of Course, the listproc address is only for commands like that; all a subscriber's list mail discussions should be sent to sethworks@mlist.access.digex.net.

In the event one decides that it's all too much trouble, unsubscribing from the list is as simple as sending a message to listproc@mlist.access.digex.net that says in the body:

unsubscribe sethworks

That stops everything; but you'd be missing out on what has become a valuable channel of communication for many.

By the way, please note that all of the above examples are in lower-case; not caps and no mixed case letters.  This is what works best.  I've been informed that folks using other than all lower-case characters have problems getting the listproc to understand the commands that they send it.

Finally, in closing this reference sheet, I leave you with some choice words of wisdom (revealed on 9/10/95) from Ken Parker, our gracious host and list administrator:

"...Now, as to if a person is better off using digests: I can't say!  If you can handle 20-30 messages a day (more when something exciting is being discussed...) or if you sign on multiple times a day, "real time" [regular mode] is best.  It's easy to reply to individual messages.  However, if you only have a short time a day on Internet or feel overwhelmed if you see 50 messages in your box, or if you sign on less than once a day, digest mode might be better.  It's up to you!"

this page up to date as of 12/25/95

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Send questions or comments to:
Jimbo9@aol.com