Tom Sanders wrote regarding questions from new members: "Might I suggest a more gentle approach, perhaps even a pleasant note off line?"
Years ago, after Alex changed the archives and added the search engine, Chuck Schmidt would capture?a?newcomer's?question in an appropriate query, run the search, and respond on the list with the URL.? I always thought it was brilliantly generous?of Chuck, and certainly went a long way in encouraging people how easy the data mining could be.? I know it takes a little?time;?however, I think it not only welcomes the new member, but helps introduce him or her to the wider resource, as well.
Tom Donahue
Melbourne, FL US