I don't have a pal list. But when the above-mentioned fellow tried to send me a message the second or third time, I used the option "block" and I haven't had any trouble since. So you don't need to put him on your pal list, or even have a pal list, in order to block him. When he tries to talk to me in open text, I just don't bother responding and that seems to work fine, as katcina suggested.

I don't much care for the private message thing; it distracts me from the main room and that makes me feel rude and antisocial (so much for "multi-tasking"....). So anyone who didn't honor my "excuse me but I'd like to return to the main room now" message would probably end up getting blocked by me.

Nothing is free. I love the more private mudcat scene, and I love the open room too. There are trade-offs with each situation. I'm just enjoying pal-talk thoroughly.

Margaret