Re: Why SPAM through GNU HURD mailing lists?

[Bas Wijnen]

Santiago Vila wrote:
> On Sat, 16 Oct 2004, Alfred M. Szmidt wrote:
>
>
> > Jeez, each time this topic comes up people start throwing out stupid
> > ideas.  Just run a spam filter will yah?
>
>
> Sorry, but your suggestion to use a spam filter *is* the stupid idea.
> If this may be fixed by simply "running a spam filter", why such spam
> filter isn't running in the list server itself? Think of it.

Not exactly.  If your personal spam filter catches a non-spam message, 
you can find it in your spam box (which you will have to check 
occasionally anyway.)  If the list would filter it, it would throw it 
away and the poster would wonder why it didn't arrive on the list.

> > Allowing non-subscribed people to post bug reports or help requests
> > is useful.  Being forced to subscribe to just ask a question, or to
> > report a bug is moronic
>
>
> Multiplying a spam message by several hundreds (via the mailing list)
> is also moronic.

It is indeed a problem, but unfortunately not something that can be 
solved easily.

> In this case, there are so few Hurd users in the world that I don't
> think it would be so much trouble to allow posts from subscribed
> people only.

No.  It is a pity that there aren't many Hurd users, but putting 
restrictions on mailing lists will make sure that people who want to try 
might stay away.  We don't want that.  Of course receiving lots of spam 
may have the same effect, so it's a bit of a dilemma.

> The only way to keep a mailing list "open" without spam is by having
> one or more human beings moderating messages.

Very true.  If there would be enough people to do this, I think it would 
be useful.  We probably need 5-10 people or something, to make sure 
messages don't have to wait more than a few hours.  Are there any 
volunteers?

> I for one didn't subscribe to this list to receive spam.

Of course.  Then again, if you post to mailing lists from an e-mail 
account, you should be prepared to receive spam on it.  So installing a 
spam filter is a good idea anyway.

Finally, to Alfred:
Please be a little more gentle with people.  If you start shouting at 
them, telling them they're stupid, etc, they might think we're all a 
bunch of antisocial people and run away.  I don't want that, and I'm 
sure you don't either.

Thanks,
Bas

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