Hm.  Strange that I didn't see any of the messages which led to this. 
 Oh well.

   To answer your first question, yes, the Admin tag is 
normally for WW only. I've been given the authority to use it.

   In the past few days, there have been a number of 
destructive threads, an almost record number of people 
quitting due to the spamload, and problems in list function 
resulting partly from traffic. This state of affairs has 
become intolerable, and steps have been taken. The FFML, as 
of now, is semi-moderated.

*sigh*  Well, since I've been putting off composing my letter to the 
FFML until I had the time to do it, it looks like things progressed 
along rather badly after the spamthread on splitting the list ended.

I am 'officially' proposing the following, since my original split 
proposal was not well received.  And I'll say it here, in case people 
don't bother to read farther than this.  DON'T reply to the list.  
All replies to me personally.  All flames to /dev/null.

I am, at this point, *going* to attempt to start up a spam/social 
list for dislocated FFMLers.  It will not be moderated.  However, I 
*do* ask that the 'evil spam' mentioned below not be posted to my 
spam list either.  It's pointless and unneccessary.

The 'official', stated purpose for the existence of my mailing list 
will be this:  To post/discuss what is deemed unacceptable on the 
FFML, but is within the bounds of good taste.  (no flames, keep the 
'me too's' to a minimum, etc.)  This list will be for socializing, 
spamfics, character debates, and so forth, so that we can clear some 
of it off of the FFML.  Posting fanfics to the spam list will be 
discouraged, but is certainly acceptable if you really want to toss 
it into a morass of vociferous chattering from whence it may never 
return.  ;)

[snip]

   What is spam?

[snip]

The following is spam.

   * "Me toos" of any ilk. Private mail, people. It has already 
been said.

Discouraged, but acceptable on the spam list.

   * Things which have nothing whatsoever to do with anime 
or writing.

Absolutely *en*couraged.  :)

   * Fic requests. Mail these to the author, guys. If you don't 
know the e-mail addy of the author, ask around via private. If 
you still don't know, then post.

Acceptable, although I would advise you to email the author if you 
know his or her email address.

   * Character debates that have dragged on for way too long 
and are now getting redundant, C&C threads which have 
mutated into something different, and other such beasties.

Acceptable.

The following are not only spam, but evil spam that shouldn't 
be on the list under any circumstances.

   * Test messages. Read the damn faq. If you want to see if 
you've been unsubbed, post a bit of C&C to the list. Not that 
this would tell you any more than a test message would, but 
it's not doing to get you banned, either. If you think you've 
been unsubbed... hell, read the faq.

Test messages are generators of pointless spam.  Hey, if you *really* 
want to post a test message to the spam list...if you *really* can't 
live without your intake of spam...  But keep these to a dull roar.  
:)

   * Chain letters. Can you say, "Instant banning"? I knew you 
could.

Chain letters are frowned upon.  I'm nearly positive they're 
considered illegal, even on the net.

   * Off-topic and really annoying and touchy threads. 
Remember the Evolution thread? The people on that should 
thank their lucky stars it happened before moderation.

Touchy threads...well, it's rather hard to say one way or the other.  
IF you feel you can keep them in good taste, it's acceptable.  
However, if it starts turning into a flamewar, I'd ask that you 
desist.

   * Flames. If you really need to be a jerk, please don't share 
it with us.

No flames here either, guys.  Send them somewhere else.

   * Posts intended for no other purpose than to produce more 
spam. "What was the first book you ever read? Please spam."

Pointless spam is...well...pointless.  Try to at least make it 
entertainingly pointless.  :)

So, does this mean spam is forbidden? No. If it were, we 
might as well move to RAAC. It means that you are to limit 
your posting. If your spam ratio is higher than your C&C/fic 
ratio, you are breaking the limit.

I do write, although I don't have much time to write and/or C&C 
nowadays.  However much I might appreciate the extra money that 
double-rate overtime brings, it kinda puts a crimp on my writing 
when my employer says that I'm 'authorized' to spend Sunday and 
Monday looking at a broken piece of code at home.  *sigh*  I 
absolutely *know* I won't be able to post fics or C&C very often, but 
spam is less time consuming.  At least, when its outgoing.  ;)  
(Umm...did that come out right?  :P  ;)

In short, spam is good.  8)

I'll be getting together the mailing list software I need in short 
order.  I'll post a followup message, complete with FAQ, subscription 
address, and list address to the FFML as soon as the spam list is up 
and running.

Damon Casale, damoo@carmelnet.com
Spam, spam!  WONDERFUL spam!  ^_^