Re: Wondering about how SpamCop works

Patty wrote:
> 
> I am being told that with the current software, sending out a confirmation
> email would result in that person being subscribed automatically.

Your admin appears to be extremely clueless. That's NOT what a 
confirmation is.

> Modifying it would be difficult and then would be very difficult to
> maintain when new versions came out.  We are using a standard software
> package (I have not been told which one) and it is very big.

Big does not mean better, or even easier or harder. Whoever said it 
would be difficult to maintain a new, better package doesn't want to do 
their job. Find someone who has experience running opt-in lists and hire 
them instead.

> I am also told that there are not nearly as many solutions as some would
> believe.  Listservs are hard to set up and maintain for large lists.  We
> have an exceptionally large list (nearly 5,000 members) and many integrated
> tools that everyone takes for granted.  Changing now would require months
> of full-time effort and several full-time people to administer the list.
> Since we are a small non-profit organization, we don't have any paid staff,
> only volunteers that handle the day to day list duties.  

As others have stated there are some excellent programs that will likely 
import your list and set it up under a new app inside of a day.

It appears your admin is feeding you a line of malarky.

> I guess the feeling is, that since we are an opt-in list (the person must
> choose to join), and because we are dealing with such a specific subject
> that has very limited appeal to the masses, a confirmation is not really
> necessary.

HOGWASH! If you want your recipients to get the emails you need to use a 
program that adheres to the best practices previously cited.

> Granted, it is considered a good practice, but is not required
> of a listserv.  However, there are a couple of us on the administrative
> roster who do think that some type of confirmation would be a good idea.
> So, perhaps this option will be explored more in the future.

You're a trooper Patty. Keep asking the hard questions!