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Mailing Lists at the University of Birmingham List Owner's Guide Administration of Lists Introduction File

A optional introduction file (intro file) can be created to be sent to people when they are added to the list instead of the usual information file. This may be useful if you wish to tell people about specific rules or conventions associated with the list, or give a different level of detail than in the info file.

The intro file can be modified using the majorcool web interface. Alternatively, the file can be modified by email using the method below, but this is no longer recommended.

The intro file is also available by sending email to majordomo@bham.ac.uk containing the following command

intro <listname>

where listname is the name of the list. Note that if this is a closed list you may wish to restrict access to this with the intro_access option (see Supported Configuration Options).
For example to fetch the intro file for a list called "trees", the command would be

intro trees

There is no default intro file.

In order to create a file use your normal program for sending email. The information should be plain ascii text with line breaks, preferably with 75 characters per line or less. You should not include any special formatting or fonts. You can then install the new intro file by sending email to majordomo@bham.ac.uk containing the command

newintro <listname> <password>

where listname is the listname and password is the password. Any text which follows this command will be used to create the new information file, so include the text of your new file at this point. A line containing just the letters EOF must be used at the end of the information. It is important that these letters are in upper case. Once you have installed the new information file it is wise to fetch a copy and check that it has been installed correctly. An example of a message to create a new file for the list "trees" with a password of "brt6yhui" follows.

newintro trees brt6yhui
Information file for email list: trees

This mailing list is primarily for the discussion of trees. Related issues such as shrubs may also be discussed on the list, but this is not an appropriate forum for the discussion of bonsai, topiary and other forms of tree art.

Please contact trees-owner@bham.ac.uk for further list details
or queries concerning the list.

Technical queries concerning the operation and use of the majordomo software at this site should be sent to the Information Services Helpdesk (helpdesk@bham.ac.uk +44 121 414 7171).

Members are welcome to meet for a social gathering at The Old Oak on the first thursday of every month.
EOF

If you make an error by specifying the one of the commands or password incorrectly an error message will be sent back to you. However, this will not contain your new introduction file. If you have prepared the new file directly using your email system it is strongly recommended that you send a copy to yourself in addition to majordomo. If you make a mistake, you will then be able to use this copy instead of having to type in a new one.

Last Updated 22nd June 2006. Please mail any comments to C.B.Bayliss@bham.ac.uk