"Rivendell" is an e-mail forum run on the server of Regensburg University's computer centre, using the "Listserv" program. It is run by me, Graeme Dunphy, for the benefit of all my students, past and present. The only prerequisite is that you like mailing and want to do it in English.  What you are now reading is the "FAQ" - the "Frequently-Asked Questions" page.  You should bookmark this page, as you might need the information again later.
 

WHAT IS A MAILING LIST?

A Listserv mailing list is a kind of e-mail distribution list, but with the special feature that everyone on the list can contribute independently by mailing to the server directly.

The "server" is a computer in the Rechenzentrum.  It stores a list of e-mail addresses, and when a mail comes in for the list, the server checks that the sender is a member of the list, and if so, it distributes the mail to every address which is registered.

You choose to join the list, and you can leave it at any time. Anyone on the list can post messages, and everyone on the list receives everything which is posted. It's a bit like sitting in a big common-room: everyone hears what is being said, and anyone can answer.
 

WHO IS THIS LIST FOR?

It's for my students.  Really, this list is an adjunct to my classes, and I do use it for distributing class information, so it is worth subscribing if you are taking courses with me. In particular, I would like the members of my GLCs to sign up at least for the duration of the semester - regard it as part of your language work.

But you don't have to be in one of my courses to participate in the list.  Any student matriculated to study English at Regensburg University is welcome to subscribe, even if they have never taken a class with me.  And I notice that some former students are using the list as a way of staying in touch.  That's great!

At present (October 2004) there are about 250 subscribers.
 

SO WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT?

The purpose of this list is:
1. To give you the opportunity to practise your language by e-mailing in English, and in doing so to enhance the community spirit in our institute. For students currently spending years abroad, it might be a very good way to keep in touch.
2. To give me a quick way of distributing information (forthcoming event, class cancelled).
3. To give you a place where you can ask questions (about English, about cultural studies, about exams, regulations, or study abroad) or look for contacts ("who wants to join me for a study-group on such-and-such?") or circulate info (film recommendation, books for sale).
4. To give any of us a chance to distribute interesting material.  Every couple of days I send out  bulletins about what's going on in the British press, and anything else I come across which you might like, so that reading list-mails regularly is a good way to keep up-to-date on Landeskunde.
5. To have a bit of fun. No reason why the contributions must be serious. I don't want this to degenerate into yet another joke list, but if someone finds something really funny in English, they can send it out here. N.B. only clean, non-offensive humour: this is a university server!
 

WHERE DOES THE NAME COME FROM?

The name "Rivendell" was chosen by the Dunphy children, so you'd better like it!  Rivendell is the home of the elves in the Lord of the Rings.
 

HOW DO I JOIN OR LEAVE THE LIST?

In November 2006 the program was changed, and the previous instructions no longer apply. This is good news - the new program is MUCH easier to operate. To "manage your subscription options", as we put it, you need to go to this website and fill in the form: https://www-mailman.uni-regensburg.de/mailman/listinfo/rivendell   After about a minute you should receive a welcome message (or if you are leaving, a farewell message) which confirms that the command has been processed.
 

IS THERE ANY OTHER WAY TO JOIN OR LEAVE?

In theory I can also add or delete addresses manually, but this is time-consuming and I don't intend to be managing people's subscriptions on a day-to-day basis.  Besides, every time I edit the list-file there is a risk of damage; normally the file should only be updated by our friend Maiser.   So you are responsible for your own subscription.  DON'T ASK ME TO TAKE YOU OFF THE LIST unless there is a very good reason why you can't do it yourself.  I will just say, "No, don't be lazy!"

(At the beginning of semester I might pass a sheet round a class and add all those who sign up en bloc, but that's a one-off, just because a batch-job is less hassle for me when there are lots of newcomers all at once; after that it's over to you.)

But of course when there are particular technical problems, I can help you out if you ask me nicely.
 

WHAT IF I GET TOO MANY MAILS FROM THE LIST?

Managing your incoming mails is very important.  List traffic is growing, and sometimes there have been as many as ten mails per day.  If you are away for a few days and then get them all at once, your in-box can be swamped.  Some poor technophobes have had to leave the list because they can't handle this.  But if you take five minutes right at the beginning to set up a system for dealing with it, then this won't be a problem, no matter how many mails come in.

In your mail program, you should be able to create a special "Rivendell" directory (folder) to keep list mail away from other mail.  Then you need to set up a filtering rule so that all new mails coming from the list are put there automatically. That way, if a lot of mails come from the list at once, they won't clutter up your in-box.  "Rivendell" mails are neatly stored where you can get them when you want them, and when you don't want them, they're not in the way.  And if you get behind and can't be bothered reading all the list mails which have come in, you can delete the entire contents of the directory unread.  Setting up a folder-and-filter system is not difficult.  Click here for more details on particular programs.  Ask your friends if you're not sure.

Not all the mails which come in will interest you.  That's why you've got a "delete" key!
 

HOW DO I WRITE TO THE LIST?

To contribute to the list, send your mail to the following address:
rivendell@mailman.uni-regensburg.de
or simply open a mail you receive from the list and click on "reply".

Remember that a reply to a list mail goes back to the list.  Occasionally it happens that an absent-minded user sends a private message out to the entire university.  So be careful with love letters.

Of course, you can also reply to a list mail off-list.  Just delete the list address from the out-going mail and substitute.  When I do this, I normally add the words "off-list" to the subject header to make it more obvious.
 

WHAT CAN I WRITE?

Well, just about anything.  As a new-comer you might like to send a mail right away to tell everyone that you are there.  It's your list, and you know the public you're writing to.  As long as you are a little bit sensible about not offending people, use it any way you like.  But English studies are the main theme, and writing in German is a no-no which will make me play "teacher".  In the unlikely event of anyone causing trouble by breaches of "netiquette" I reserve the right to remove them unceremoniously from the list.
 

WHAT IS A "THREAD"?

A "thread" is a sequence of e-mails on a single topic which make a correspondence.  Ideally they should all have the same subject header, so people can follow them easily.  Try to use the headers intelligently, making a new one when you change the subject.
 

MAY I LURK?

Well, yes, if you really want to.  A "lurker" in Listserv-talk is a list member who just reads the mails but never writes any. No-one needs to feel under any pressure to write.  But you will certainly get more out of the list if you put a little extra in.  Your English doesn't have to be perfect - and normally I won't correct it.  Don't be shy. If you have something to say, chip in!
 

MAY I CONTRIBUTE ANONYMOUSLY?

Not really, that's not kosher.  If you have an opinion, you should be prepared to stand up for it.  Do write your name at the bottom of each mail, because we can't always tell who you are from your mail address.
 

WHAT ABOUT ATTACHMENTS AND HYPERLINKS?

Please don't send large attachments over the list, because some modem-users have difficulty downloading them.  Sound files, film clips, power-point shows and even large photographs can be problems.  On the other hand, a link to a website where these things are to be found would be very acceptable.
 

IS THERE AN ARCHIVE?

No.  With some lists, every mail sent is then stored on the internet and the whole world can read it.  I have deliberately not made an archive so you have no reason to feel intimidated.
 

WHAT ABOUT MEETING ONE ANOTHER?

The idea of actually meeting with the people we have been mailing to is not at all unattractive.  So occasional functions of one sort or another are always on the cards.  In June we had a very jolly barbecue. Click below to see photos:

Rivendell BBQ, 14 June 2003
Rivendell BBQ, 19 June 2004

Back to my Home Page.

Last update: 16 November 2006.