One particular list, the "everyone" list, has been the cause of some concern. This note addresses these concerns and the steps that computer support has taken to rectify them.

The "everyone" list, which is composed of other lists, chemgrad, faculty, postdocs, staff and a few others, is appealing to someone thinking, "I want this email message to reach as many people as possible". A fraction of our users are very irritated by receiving unwanted email. This is a formula for conflict, but the solution to the problem is at first glance unclear. The Email message that one user finds annoying, another doesn't mind, and vice versa. Examples, could be the sale of Girl Scout cookies or the sale of football tickets.

In response to these concerns, we constructed the 'misc' list. The way the 'misc' list is populated is that when a new person joins the department their Email address is added to 'misc'. If at any time this person decides that they do not want the mail going to the list, they can remove themselves. Rejoining the list is also possible. Computer support then established the rule that strictly, only department related mail should go to the 'everyone' list and that all other email go to the 'misc' list.

In addition to this action, computer support provides the following guidelines for Email list usage:

1. No chain letters! Specifically, if you receive an e-mail message that reads "Send this to as many people as you can" or an equivalent phrase, DO NOT SEND IT TO ANYONE! You will never benefit from nor receive anything for sending e-mail to as many people as you can, as many common Email hoaxes claim.
2. If you get a report of a virus, send it to support@chemistry. Virtually all e-mail warnings of viruses are in fact chain letters and hoaxes. People make them up and see how many others will believe them. Don't play their game!

   Specifically, the two myths, "Join the Crew" and "Good times" are well known hoaxes, fakes, lies. These do not exist.

3. Notes for the purpose of selling, buying or giving away things to should be sent to the misc list in lui of the everyone list.
4. Avoid sending mail that is solely for your own benefit.
5. If you are unsure whether a message should go to everyone@chemistry.ohio-state.edu send it to misc@chemistry.ohio-state.edu This list has presently 95-100% overlap with the everyone list. Only those people who have strong feelings about receiving unwanted mail have removed themselves from the list. These are the people who, in all likelihood, would have deleted your message before reading it.

-Your Computer Support Staff.

Last update: Tue Dec 13, 2005