RFC 1211 (rfc1211) - Page 1 of 54
Problems with the maintenance of large mailing lists
Alternative Format: Original Text Document
Network Working Group A. Westine
Request for Comments: 1211 J. Postel
ISI
March 1991
Problems with the Maintenance of Large Mailing Lists
Status of this Memo
This RFC discusses problems with maintaining large mailing lists,
especially the processing of error reports. This memo provides
information for the Internet community. It does not specify an
Internet standard. Distribution of this memo is unlimited.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction.............................................. 1
2. Discussion................................................ 1
3. Typical Problems.......................................... 3
3.1. Misdirected Error Reports................................. 3
3.2. Sublists.................................................. 3
3.3. Misdirected Requests...................................... 5
3.4. Misdirected Messages...................................... 5
4. Summary................................................... 5
APPENDIX A - I used to be on the List.......................... 6
APPENDIX B - Changing Addresses and Sublists................... 8
APPENDIX C - Sublists and Other Protocol Worlds................ 9
APPENDIX D - Errors from Hidden Hosts.......................... 10
APPENDIX E - No Postmaster..................................... 12
APPENDIX F - Examples of Error Messages........................ 14
5. Security Considerations................................... 53
6. Authors' Addresses........................................ 54
1. Introduction
Maintaining large mailing lists, especially the processing of error
reports, poses many problems. Most of the examples come from the
experience of managing the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF)
mailing list. Many examples are presented in this memo. Most of the
specific problems shown have already been corrected.
2. Discussion
At USC - Information Sciences Institute (ISI) we maintain mailing
lists for the Internet Research Groups, the IETF, and other Internet
groups; about 25 lists altogether. We receive about 400 messages a
month requesting additions or deletions to these lists. There are
Westine & Postel