What it is:
The PAT listserve is a modern e-mail based communication
forum. When one subscribes to a list, they join a community, and are in
a sense pulling a chair up to a conference table. They are free to listen
passively, or join in the conversation.
Why it exists
Advocacy is nothing without well informed advocates.
Perhaps an ideal scenario would see all subscribers simultaneously alerted
in a "call to arms" where a show of support was needed. Other information
that could be shared includes: posting meeting information, or a call for
volunteers for a trail improvement project, polling the list for information,
or notice of other PAT activities and issues of relevance.
What it isn't
This list does not exist as a personal soapbox or a depository
for irrelevant drivel. If subscribers have to use their delete buttons
too often, they will unsubscribe, and that will foil the purpose of the
list. Please remember that every message posted to the list goes to every
subscriber, and if the majority won't be interested, please take it directly
to those that would be. Also: this list does not exist as a vector for
commercial solicitations. Every effort will be made to squash spam, but,
in the event some gets through, please do not add insult to injury by posting
to the list about it. Mail lists are popular on the internet, and much
has been written about posting manners, and generally all the usual conventions
apply here. Most important of these conventions might be to only send text
e-mail, and not pictures and attachments.
About the list server
We have chosen to use a commercial list hosting service,
there are no costs involved, and they do a pretty good job with little
intrusion. They also host several other lists of similar content for different
geographical areas... it might be worth checking out!
How to Subscribe:
There are a couple of ways to subscribe.
Send a blank* e-mail addressed to:
patlist-subscribe@topica.com
*things like signature files could screw up the process,
so make sure the e-mail message is totally blank, Topica will pick up all
the information it needs from the "reply to" field, and respond with a
confirmation.
Also:
You can also go to this URL and subscribe
there:
http://www.topica.com/lists/patlist
Topica will probably ask you to register with them, which
is probably ok, I have been registered with them for a few months and haven't
noticed any ill effects.
How to Unsubscribe:
If you need to unsubscribe you can send a blank
e-mail to:
patlist-unsubscribe@topica.com
topica will respond with a confirmation
Or: you can go to http://www.topica.com
and unsubscribe from your preferences page assuming you are registered
Most importantly:
To post a message to the group address your e-mail to:
patlist@topica.com
add this to your address book!