Re: A plea

I second the opinion that this list's being so liberal contributes a lot
to its friendly atmosphere, and is one of the things that make it so nice
a place. So I wouldn't support any prohibitive solutions. BUT...

Periodically I have busy times (like now) when I simply can't read all
messages. Especially when summer is just over and everybody comes back
with loads of new stuff and ideas.

Then I go to the list's site (http://listserv.brown.edu/archives/ etc.)
and I try to use subject threads to pick up what I'm especially
interested in. But too often this doesn't help, especially with longer
threads: the actual topic can float incredibly far from what one sees in
the *subject* line.

I think I'm not the only one who suffers.

So, PLEASE, don't forget to correct the *subject* line whenever you feel
your message is drifting from the declared topic! If you wish to preserve
the connection between threads, it's so easy to add a "WAS:"!

Also, I'd propose a Hierarchy of Topicality, of three levels:

1) Conlanging
2) Natlangs and general linguistics
3) The rest

(indeed, subject to amending by everybody)

PLEASE, be especially careful about changing the *subject* line when
you feel you are jumping from one level to another. In *any* direction!

I believe this would make CONLANG a still better place!


Basilius