This is the Biolab Information file. Subscribers should print and save this information, because everyone will need it sometime. It includes instructions on postponing mail and unsubscribing.
This is also the place to look if your requests or messages bounce. Many of the questions that I get from subscribers are explained here.
1) Netiquette
2) FAQ
If you're new to the internet, you might want to read up on netiquette before posting. The following url links to several very thorough guides to netiquette.
http://www.k12.hi.us/~waiau/TECH/netiquette.html
Please observe the following rules for Biolab:
It takes time to open and read all of the e-mail that we receive, and a plethora of "empty" messages represents a considerable waste of time. Please help maintain the quality of Biolab traffic.
List members who do not heed these rules may be banished from the list.
Biolab accepts postings only from list members. This enables us to filter out the increasing spam that afflicts our mailboxes. Some commercial messages may be of interest to subscribers; however, anyone who subscribes to Biolab for the purpose of posting spam or obtaining the distribution list will be banished from the list.
The Internet community is home to an abundance of misinformation. Some stories sound utterly convincing and arouse our desire to help others by passing on information about computer viruses or sending chain letters to cancer victims. Save yourself some embarrassment (and probably a few flames from Net vets) by checking out the stories you hear at the Computer Virus Myths Page or the Urban Legends Reference Pages before forwarding these posts to everyone you know.
Q: How can I make the list-owner's life easier?
A: Read and save this message. Consult it before you ask for help; you may be able to solve the problem on your own. :)
Q: How do I send mail to the list?
A: Posts to biolab should be sent to biolab@hubcap.clemson.edu
Q: I am subscribed to Biolab and I tried to post a message. It never appeared on the list. Why am I not getting through?
A: The default setting for Biolab mail is NOACK, which means that you do not receive a copy of a message that you post. If you wish to change this, send mail to listproc@hubcap.clemson.edu with the subject line blank. In the body of the message put SET BIOLAB MAIL ACK
Q: How does one subscribe to Biolab?
A: Send mail to listproc@hubcap.clemson.edu with the subject line blank. In the body of the message put SUBSCRIBE BIOLAB <YOUR NAME> (do not include the brackets). You will receive a "welcome" message when you have been added to the list.
If you send the message to the list address (biolab@hubcap) it will be rejected with an error message.
Q: How do I unsubscribe?
A: Send mail to listproc@hubcap.clemson.edu with the subject line blank. In the body of the message put UNSUBSCRIBE BIOLAB If you include your name, address, or any other text in the message it will be rejected with an error message.
If you send the message to the list address (biolab@hubcap) it will be rejected with an error message.
Q: I am going on vacation. Can I keep Biolab mail from accumulating without unsubscribing?
A: Send mail to listproc@hubcap.clemson.edu with the subject line blank. In the body of the message put SET BIOLAB MAIL POSTPONE. When you return and want to resume mail, send a message to listproc that says SET BIOLAB MAIL ACK
Q: Our mail administrator says that we will be changing mail servers soon. What should I do?
A: First, thank your mail administrator for giving you advance notice : ) Unsub from Biolab while the old address is still in effect. Once your new address is active, re-sub.
If you use a private ISP (for example, AOL) and you know that you will be changing ISPs, you should unsubscribe from Biolab before you leave your current ISP.
Q: Our mail server changed and I re-subscribed with my new address. Now I am receiving two copies of every post. Help!
A: Your old address is still on the list too. Listproc still sends mail to it, and that mail is forwarded to the new address. Listproc also sends mail directly to your new address. E-mail me (dickeyj@clemson.edu) and tell me which address to delete, and I'll do it manually.
Q: I tried to send a post to Biolab (or to send a command to listproc) and got back an error message saying that I am not subscribed to Biolab. I certainly AM subscribed since I receive all the Biolab mail!! Why can't I post?
A: Biolab is run by automated software (listproc), not a person. It knows you only as an e-mail address, which it picks up from the return address on your mail when you subscribe. If you are listed as jdoe@college.edu, that must be the EXACT return address on any mail you want listproc to process (a post or a command). If the return address on your mail is jdoe@biology.college.edu it doesn't know that you are the same person! You may be able to fix the problem yourself. Check the settings or preferences for your mail program and see whether you can specify the return address that is used on out-going mail. If you can't change your return address, re-subscribe so that listproc gets your address right. Then be sure to ask me to delete the incorrect address so that you don't get double messages.
All requests related to Biolab service must go to the listproc address. Listproc is automated software; your requests are not read by a person. Attempts at friendliness or courtesy ("Hi, please add me to the Biolab list!") will be rebuffed with an error message. Listproc insists upon exact wording for each command.
You cannot perform any of the functions described above by "replying" when this information message is posted. You must initiate a new message to listproc.
When listproc sends you an error message, it usually includes how to fix the problem. For example, if you send SET BIOLAB POSTPONE, it will tell you the correct syntax to use. You should be able to follow listproc's directions to correct these simple problems yourself. The only exception is the SET LIST ADDRESS command, which cannot be executed by users.
Biolab is run by automated software called listprocessor. Commands are sent directly to "listproc," not to a human being. Therefore it is essential to use the correct wording.
All commands should be sent to the administrative address: listproc@hubcap.clemson.edu
For any command, leave the subject line blank. Put the command in the body of the message (as you did when you subscribed).
Commands sent to the list address (biolab) are rejected.
There are 4 mail modes. The default setting is NOACK, which means that you donot receive a copy of a message you send to the list. ACK -- you do receive a copy when you send a message to the list. POSTPONE -- you wish to remain on the list, but don't want to receive messages (use this if you are going on vacation and don't want to return to an overflowing mailbox)
DIGEST -- you will receive one message per day that includes all the posts accumulated from the previous 24 hours. This option is good for people whose systems limit them to a certain number of messages, or who don't like to be interrupted by frequent mail notifications. Keep in mind that "digest" sends one message a day, while "postpone" interrupts service completely.
You can change your mail mode by sending one of these commands:
SET BIOLAB MAIL ACK
SET BIOLAB MAIL NOACK
SET BIOLAB MAIL POSTPONE
SET BIOLAB MAIL DIGEST
One of these modes must be in force at any time. So if you return from vacation and are ready to receive mail again, send SET BIOLAB MAIL ACK (or whichever option you want).
To unsubscribe, send
UNSUBSCRIBE BIOLAB
(note that you must not include your name or address on an unsub command)
If your mail address changes, the best thing to do is UNSUBSCRIBE from your old address (before it changes) and then SUBSCRIBE from your new address.
I can easily delete you to unsub, but it's better if you re-subscribe yourself, since the software picks up your return address from your computer. It may fail to recognize you if you use a different version of your address.
Subscribing to the list requires a name. The command is SUBSCRIBE BIOLAB <YOUR NAME>
For example: Subscribe biolab Charles Darwin
For more help with listproc commands, send the command HELP.
If your mail system experiences problems, your Biolab mail may bounce back to listproc. Listproc sends me a message about each bounce. I don't know whether the problem is temporary or permanent, so if the bounces persist I will set your subscription to POSTPONE. I can't contact you by e-mail so I can't let you know this. If you don't receive Biolab mail for several days, check with me or send a SET BIOLAB MAIL ACK command.
Many systems limit the number of messages you can have on the server, so if mail volume is a problem for you try the digest option.
If your e-mail address changes even slightly (for example, if your server name changes), listproc will not recognize you as a subscriber. You will not be able to execute commands. In addition, you must be a subscriber to post messages. If you are aware that your address has changed, send a SUBSCRIBE message from your new address. Then send me a message asking me to delete your old address from the list.
If you get an error message when you try to post or submit a command (for example, postpone your mail), it is probably because your address has changed without you knowing it. Follow the procedure above.
Please contact me if you have any problems with the list or with the web site.