I would be against splitting the FFML; not that, since I'm a newcomer,
I'm in a position to know how great it used to be two years ago. Whoops,
there goes the neighborhood. The more people on the list, the greater
the chance of finding someone you like, and the less the impact of
having someone on the list you don't like.

Another message on this subject said the list is not so great anymore
because we don't get to know each other like the veterans used to.
Certainly that can be addressed without splitting the list. Some of the
spams going on, like the over-40 discussion, "how do you find time to
write?" and "how do you get in the mood to write?" are already giving
some people a chance to discuss things besides C&C. I think some of the
heated spam debates do that also -- although they leave me personally
feeling rather peaked and hung over.
While I am a little embarrassed to propose one of those grade-school
classroom things wherein we all take turns saying where we are, there is
something to say for the idea. Perhaps, to avoid heavy traffic, we could
get a coordinator (NOT ME! I don't have the server space) who is willing
to receive short self-introductions from everyone, compile them, post
the list to the FFML once a month, and periodically update it and send
it to new subscribers. If White Wolf is amenable, an invitation to
self-introduce upon subscribing to the list could be added to the FAQ.
One possible set of questions for a self-introducer to consider would
be:  full name/nickname, age, sex, occupation, anime/manga interests,
non-anime/manga interests, webpage address if any. Anything suitable for
all ages would be accepted as a self-introduction, of course.

DRM
-- 

My signature file, attending all mails:

If we shadows have offended,
Think but this (and all is mended,)
That you have but slumber'd here,
While these visions did appear.
And this weak and idle theme,
No more yielding but a dream,
Gentles, do not reprehend;
If you will pardon, we will mend.
And, as I am an honest Puck,
If we have unearned luck,
Now to 'scape the serpent's tongue,
We will make amends ere long:
Else the Puck a liar call.
So, good night unto you all.
Give me your hands, if we be friends,
And Robin shall restore amends.
                --Shakespeare, Midsummer Night's Dream