Max,

I run a scholarly discussion for the iniversity library where I work, and anyone is able to read the open archives, because they are maintained on the university's public listserv server. But because of the nature of the list (for information dissemination by the library to users) outsiders don't post to the list. Any attempts to do so come to me, and I politely explain what the list is about. I answer questions, and I forward questions I can't answer to the librarian who might be able to help. My list is very small, only posted to a few times a semester. But I know of similarly moderated lists that, while they are a lot of work for the owners, keep strictly to the subject of the list. You should be able to reach some kind of point with the membership that enables outsiders to read discussions, and to email you or Joe Clones personally to ask questions or to join, without the present carnage on the lists.

In the next few months I will finally be able to unpack 40 year's worth of music collecting work I from my father's estate, and will look to Mudcat in many ways to identify, organize, and manage this material. I plan to have a piano worked on, possibly do some of it myself (but sound advice from Mudcatters has convinced me that I would do the piano a disservice to try to do it all myself).

In addition to being a member with a cookie, I would be willing to be a subscriber; perhaps this could be managed by having a print document (newsletter) that goes to subscribers as a token and for keeping track of subscriptions. I, like a lot of folks, can't afford a lot, but this is an important site, and to keep it here, like PBS, I'm willing to do my share. All of these little contributions add up, as you discovered in January. And on this site, like PBS, non-members can observe. You've been far more patient than I could ever manage when facing outsiders who would foul the pond strictly for their own amusement.

My two cents.

Maggie