Date: Tue, 8 Dec 1998 02:25:11 -0800 (PST) From: "Avalanche Center (CSAC)" Subject: List Transition Update (no-post) Update on List Conversion of CSAC Avalanche Bulletin lists Unless you have only recently subscribed to one of our lists you should be aware that this service will soon be offered, in most cases, as a premium service for contributors. This is not a set fee for a service - anyone who contributes any amount may use any of the lists they wish to. However, we suggest a contribution of $10 per list. This update contains some news on how this transition will occur. Due to travel time and the CSAC auction we have not yet begun implementing any kind of filter. This will begin next week, and by the end of the following week lists will be for contributors only unless the list has been underwritten. We will have a filtering script which runs weekly and matched addresses on the mailing lists against addresses on the list of contributors. It will produce a list of addresses on the list which do not show up as contributors. Note that this is a yes/no thing - the amount of the contribution does not matter, nor the number of list subscriptions. Note also that we need an e-mail address when you contribute. During the initial implementation the script will send a notice to all non-contributors but will take no action. This will allow us to remedy missing e-mail addresses which a few contributors did not include. (Please do not e-mail us with your address unless you receive a message during this test period. Our inbox is already hard to keep up with! Most people did remember to include their e-mail so only a few will need to be added.) After the initial period the script will be modified to unsubscribe all non-contributors and send them a notice. If a list has been underwritten then non-contributors will receive a reminder that contributions are welcome and reminds them that the underwriters make it possible for them to be on the list. The processing of contributions which arrive via mail is one of our slower tasks. We have a shortage of reliable office help, and all the information must be recorded and entered by our few volunteers. If you plan to contribute via snail mail and do not want the list service to be interupted it would be best to mail a contribution soon. Online contributions are processed right away and are much easier and faster on our end. We would like to thank everyone who has responded in a positive manner. While the suggested contribution is $10 many have given more than that amount. We are very grateful for this support. We also have one underwritten list, csac-nw serving the NW USA. This is made possible by Mountain Gear who contributed numerous items for our auction and BaseCamp in Bellingham who is holding a special fundraising event the evening of Dec 9. Thank you for your patience during our transition and for your support of our public awareness/education endeavors. Jim Frankenfield Director -- *********************************************************** Cyberspace Snow and Avalanche Center (CSAC) 131 NW 4th St Suite 397, Corvallis OR 97330 #343 - 3495 Cambie St, Vancouver BC V5Z 4R3 (541)754-8353 (541)461-4279 Fax http://www.csac.org snow@csac.org Jim Frankenfield; Director ***********************************************************