I can't believe I'm -doing- this...

Now then, the major issue here is spam, correct?

No.  The major issue (as I understand it from your description) is 
not that there is too much spam on the current FFML, although that 
could be argued.  The major issue is this, as I see it:

*  A new fan comes to the list with grand notions of learning how to 
   write, posting his fic to the FFML at large, and getting 
   constructive C&C on it.  He or she is almost invariably 
   disappointed, because people are too busy reading the fics of the 
   authors they know already, rather than spending a little time on 
   those and a little time on the "unkown" authors.

And how will splitting the list help? The people who are currently ignoring
the newbies will probably continue to do so, while the ones who respond will
have to subscribe to multiple lists to keep up with their old load, and
oftentimes will encounter duplicated letters as individuals seeking C&C
cross-post.

*  Some people (like most of this list, apparently) would rather see 
   all the fanfics posted and C&C and discuss them than have any 
   large amount of spam on the list to clog traffic.  OTHERS 
   (like me; although I hope I'm *not* alone in this) wouldn't 
   mind posting to a more limited venue (say maybe 100 subbers 
   instead of 400+?) if it gave the unknown authors a chance too.  
   By that, I mean that people would likely not have all of the 
   "known" authors on their particular list, and would spend only 
   some of their free time reading knowns, and the rest taking a 
   chance (and possibly C&Cing) the unknowns.

How do you intend to keep the membership of a new list limited? Make it
invitation-only? Wouldn't this defeat a large portion of what you're trying
to accomplish?

*  As above, some people would rather the amount of spam on the 
   current FFML be reduced.  Others (like me; and again, I hope I'm 
   *not* alone in this) would prefer more socializing (which means 
   spam), but on a smaller list so that people would be more likely 
   to get to know one another, there being relatively few faces to 
   meet and talk to (and remember, and keep track of!) rather than 
   prohibitively many.

Splitting the lists will not reduce the population by a large portion; the
current FFML subscribers would just subscribe to all the multiple lists in
order to keep up.

*  Some would prefer that all the fanfics get posted to one list.  
   Others (like me) suggested a well-organized archive site where 
   sublist subbers could go if they wanted to read their favorite 
   author's pieces (which the author would store there when he 
   posted them to the list), or browse for more reading material if 
   he or she had free time left over after dealing with his or her 
   own sublist's mail.

There used to be such an animal once, before WW had to move and upgrade.

* Some would prefer the FFML not be split up, because of crossposting 
   issues, personality wars, and so on.  Others (like me) are 
   willing to try this experiment, since the original FFML need not 
   be touched; rather, sub-FFML's can be created on my own account.  

Then feel free to do so, although I severely doubt they will do you any good.

Be prepared, however, to act as an agressive 24-hours-a-day moderator, since
this is the only way you will keep any list free of spam.

HOWEVER, knowing that my proposals haven't gotten hardly any positive 
response whatsoever, and that only in the form of alternate split 
proposals, I'm not saying that I'm *going* to implement the sublists. 
In fact, it probably won't happen at all.  But if there *is* a 
significant interest in splitting the list (leaving the current FFML 
intact, though), I'd be willing to contribute resources toward the 
most popular split proposal, _even if it wasn't the one I'm proposing 
now_.

If you are really looking for C&C, try emailing the individuals from the
list who you think are accomplished writers. However, I just don't see what
making a micro-FFML will do to increase C&C to those who aren't getting it.

Well then I check and. . .

Both of these people types are adamantly steadfast in the belief that
they shouldn't have to sort through spam to get fanfictions of this
list. I too find it annoying, but this list is not only for fanfictions
as I see it. It has grown to be quite a bit more social than from what
its first purpose was, which is to be accepted with the huge volume of
people.

Actually, it started out being much more social, and gradually 
decreased.  That was my original claim.  You can take a look at the 
early archived material to see this, if you want.

If you're looking for a social club, get your own creative group together. A
smaller group with common interests will be much more social than a huge lot
whose only common interest is anime fanfiction (specifically, their own) and
feedback thereon.

(I'm pampered, I get to spend most of my time chatting on IRC with the
#eyrie people, but you get the idea.)

This is unfortunate for those who have such limited email serverspace
that still want to be a part, for several of the Free mail servers have
almost no mail space (the least ive seen is only 200k.)

I've heard about those.  And I pity the users.  Of the two reasonable 
split proposals I've seen (I'm including my own and Eric's, I think 
his name is), both would reduce incoming mail by one method or 
another.  Any split would benefit them.

How? Multiple lists = increased bandwidth. In order for your concept to aid
anyone, someone must choose NOT to subscribe to one or the other list.

>From what I understand, this list was developed for draft version
reviews of fanfiction.

No, I think it was developed to be that, as well as a forum where the 
participants could interact in a number of ways, one being C&C and 
discussion of fics.  Another, of course, being socializing (spam).

The primary goal of this list, or so I understood, was to exchange
fanfiction (and, as I have been reminded, fic -concepts-) and reviews of same. 

It was -not- designed to be a social club, and I try not to treat it as such. 

TO those who seek no spam, May I point out
something?

R.A.A.C.

Nothing but fanfiction, with the exception of the generated FAQ. This
moderated list is for exactly what most who want to split the list are
asking for. No spam.

That is NOT what I'm asking for.

It's also wrong. RAAC is currently the finished-product location for fics-
the place you send your fic -after- it has been C&Cd and edited. It's not a
forum for editing or consultation.

What you're looking for, Damon, is your own little club, and I can't blame
you for that. It's not that bad an idea, for what you're looking for.
However, I really don't think your proposal is good for the FFML in general.
For most of us, it will not reduce bandwidth except by having people
currently subscribed to the FFML leave for their own creative group, and
there will be those who subscribe and crosspost to both.

And as for eliminating spam: good luck.

Redneck 
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