Alternatives to email attachments that  I recommend are 1) for the EAD web
master to create a repository for relevant documents on the EAD web site.  Once
a document is in the repository, the listserv manager posts a notice to the
group and the relevant documents can then be stored and retrieved by listserv
members at their discretion. 2) Alternatively, list members can place such
documentation on their own web sites, and inform  listserv members of the URL
and document title, for their reference and optional access, should they deem
the document is relevant to their interests.  For example, the ISO/EIC Joint
Technical Committee 1, L8 (JTC1/L8) Working Group 32 (standards review body),
does this for document availability, e.g., for posting draft standards to the
group for review and comment. Members may submit documents to the repository, or
post on their own web sites, and provide the URLs for access by other members.
Similarly, JTC1/L8 is a closed list and encrypts the listserv email, and it
cannot be forwarded except to other members of the listserv, which is
significant with regard for security.

"Friedman-Shedlov, Lara" wrote:

> Why not disallow all attachments, whether textual or not.  I, for one, find
> attachments inconvenient to open.  If I receive a message with the contents
> in the form of an attachment (even if it is a text document) I usually
> delete it unread, unless it is something I have specifically requested.
> Besides, viruses can be potentially spread text documents such as MS Word
> files.
>
> If people need to share information that cannot be typed or pasted into the
> body of an e-mail message, they can post information about it and let people
> who are willing and able to open the attachment request that it be e-mailed
> to them directly.
>
> +++++++++++++++++++++++++
> Lara Friedman-Shedlov
> [log in to unmask]
> Minnesota Historical Society
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Randall K. Barry [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent: Tuesday, March 20, 2001 11:59 AM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Rejection of EAD attachments
>
> EAD list subscribers,
>
> In an attempt to thwart the spread of computer viruses, we have changed
> the configuration of the EAD list so that it will reject any posting that
> includes an attachment with an executable file.  Textual attachments will
> still be allowed.
>
> It is important to note, while on the topic of viruses, that it is the
> responsibility of every subscriber to do his/her part to avoid the spread
> of viruses.  This means taking the time to install virus protection on
> your own computer, if you are able to.  Electronic lists such as the EAD
> list cannot absolutely guarantee that viruses will not be introduced but
> unsuspecting or malicious subscribers.  We hope this change to the
> configuration reduces the threat to all of us, but still, be wary of
> messages that seem strange.  Follow this rule:
>
> IF YOU ARE NOT SURE, DELETE THE MESSAGE!
>
> Randy Barry (your EAD list administrator)
>
> *****************************************************************
> * Randall Keigan Barry                          LLL   MARC 21   *
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