Manage Mailing Lists

All mailing list owners should be familiar with the user documentation for VTN mailing lists.

In addition to the commands available to list subscriber, a mail list owner has access to a number of commands that are needed to...

unsubscribe a user who is unable for some reason to accept mail
assist someone who is having trouble subscribing or unsubscribing.
or, update the info file (welcome message)

Remember: The ownership of a busy mailing list is a significant responsibility and will usually require daily attention to ensure things don't get out of hand

Mailing Lists are managed by sending email messages addressed to majordomo. This document describes the commands used by a list owner for managing a 'majordomo' mailing lists.

A typical mail message is addressed to majordomo@host.site with a message in the body. Majordomo responds by email which normally takes a few minutes.

Multiple Commands

Majordomo will accept more than one command in a message... simply place each command on a separate line.

Feeling lazy..?

If you are sending a command and can't be bothered deleting your signature or other text in the message place the end command on a separate line... majordomo will ignore any text it finds after this command.

Common commands/actions that require a password

approve password subscribe listname address: Approve a non-routine subscribe request concerning list
approve password unsubscribe listname address: Approve a non-routine unsubscribe request concerning list
newinfo listname password: Provide a new "info" message for list, to be sent in response to "info" and "subscribe" requests. (*This is sometimes called the Welcome Message.)
passwd listname old-password new-password: Change the password for list

There are several other password commands that a listowner can use to change the status of a list but these should be used with great care. If you are not _very_ sure how your changes will impact on the operation of a list... you should consult the local mailing list administrator.