We just went over this. The categories idea wouldn't work for various reasons, but the list could be put on a BB with parallel email functionality which imho would be the best of both worlds. However, the guy that could do it doesn't have possession of the server (which isn't actually a show stopper as I understand it) and the grumpy old fart contingent has been vocal in their opposition (not that it would affect them in any practical sense); added to that, I've yet to see much come from any grand ideas put forth on the list, the Wiki being a minor exception and that mostly due to the dogged persistence of Mr. Squirrel. Additionally, I think the lack of options coupled with the volume of posts is a turn-off to potential members who by now are used to a more modern internet experience, and what doesn't grow, dies.

My greatest concern about the current state versus the state of the art is that the server is physically in the hands of an inattentive host, to put it kindly, and the software is ancient in computer terms; I'm afraid this means that at some point modernization will be forced on us due to some future major failing of the system that will be beyond our means to easily solve. I think there's a fair chance that the list will die or at least be severely crippled if that happens, probably due to a prolonged shutdown, among other things. 

I really think we should address this before we get to that point.

Cya,
Robert

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of miguel pacheco
Sent: Monday, August 25, 2008 4:25 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Who is the Manager of this list?

I ain't grumpy and welcome change, but I sure like it the way it is. I
have mine going to my Gmail and rarely visit Vanagon.com............

Gracias,
                    Miguel