I am very new to this list and to Linux in general, however, I am very experienced using Listservs. I once received over 2000 emails per day from lists. I have a few suggestions I hope someone might find useful. Many lists, especially larger ones, have a moderator. When a thread gets a little off-topic, it is often ignored briefly to see if the dust settles naturally, however, if the topic begins to grow rather than die, the moderator steps in with a cease and desist order. A few more posts are ignored as some people will reply before reading the order, but the topic dies as no one wants to be kicked off. In a few cases, there are groups of lists. There is a general topic list, i.e. SuSE users discussing issues related to SuSE Linux. Then there are sub-topic lists more specific, i.e. Installation Issues, Bug Reports, Tech Support in SuSE in general, Tech Support in a specific version of SuSE, Using SuSE as a Web Server, whatever becomes a popular topic in the general list. I have to say that your idea of an "Off Topic" list was unique and had good intentions. Unfortunately it sounds like there was too much freedom on it. Here are some suggestions. Even if not used, maybe they will be useful in helping you think up a solution. Some of these suggestions may exist in part or in full. Don't get angry or upset if I repeat them, I don't know everything about this group or the sponsoring company. First create a detailed index of the available lists which includes the name, the link, and one or two paragraphs explaining specifically what the list is for and who the target audience might be. Each list should be assigned a moderator to keep the list on-topic. 1) Create a master list of Lists. Show the name, the link and a couple of paragraphs explaining the purpose of the list and what is expected from those posting to the list. 2) Create a General Topic list, i.e. SuSE General Discussion, anything goes...if it is related to SuSE Linux or the company. Don't let it become a SuSE bashing list, but allow things like tech support, discussions on the SuSE company and what they are doing, how the general Linux community is affecting SuSE etc. 3) Create additional lists for specific topics that become popular on the General list. This list would be one of those. It appears to be used to specifically address tech support questions. Assign a moderator that won't be on a witch hunt, but when things start getting off-topic, put out a cease and desist order pending the direction the topic is going. Obviously, except for the fact that this list is addressing this problem, this topic would be off topic for the list. If the list members would like to discuss implementing some of this or changing it to apply to the benefit of this list, those comments are welcome. If someone with the authority to use these ideas would like to further discuss this message, I ask them to do so privately in respect to the rest of the members. I am not open to discussing mistakes in my assumptions or why what I suggest might not work. Please respect the members and if not, don't hold your breath awaiting my reply. I hope some of you find this useful. Thank you, Buck