When deciding if my messages are on-topic or off-topic, I often refer to the following suggestions:
1. Reminders concerning which topics are off-topic are apparently considered on-topic.
2. Arguments/complaints about whether-or-not off-topic subjects should be on-topic are off-topic.
3. Messages beginning with the words "Sorry if this is off-topic, but..." are off-topic.
4. Hand-built artisan "Keeper of the Flame" steel modern frames are on-topic, but LUGS ARE NOT FLAMES and not all modern lugged steel frames are on-topic.
5. Messages "accidently posted to the entire list" are sometimes not accidents.
6. Cross-posting is not allowed. Postings about 'cross are off-topic (unless pre-1980s). Postings about stuck posts you've come across are on-topic.
7. Atta-boys are notta-lowed, but atta-boys from losing eBay bidders are okay, especially if the item in question was a California Masi.
Hope this helps. Please don't share this to the rest of the list.
Aldo Ross
Middletown, Ohio
"Rather be at l'Eroica!"