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<pre>As a long-time user (and co-moderator) of this group, I feel compelled
to comment on a few issues that are important to me, here in rural
Australia.

First, this forum is a GLOBAL one and, while there is value in healthy
debate and the national issues are validly discussed here, some matters
(especially personal correspondences between participants) are better
carried on as private emails.

Second, because of the limited bandwidth (I can get 28.8Kbps Absolute
MAX) of some users, please limit the size of replies by deleting any
material which your reply does not refer to. This will be very much
appreciated by all who have the limit to line speeds and who have to pay
a "time connected" fee for internet use.

Third, Please put a signature block at the end of your message (similart
to the one below) so that everyone knows where you are, and thus avoid
the "where are you?" postings that (again) take up bandwidth nand
moderator's time. Remember, we are doing this as a voluntary effort, in
our own time and at our own expense. (I cannot imagine the time and
effort that Jamal must have had to expend to moderate this forum on his
own. That he did so for so long is a tribute to his dedication to the
noble olive!)

Fourth, Keep up the lively discussions, they are a benefit to all who
venture here.

Cheers
John Attwood
Tamworth
(Northern) NSW Au
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