[DCRB-L] Honing "subjects" to aid our e-discussion

[Jain Fletcher]

Hi, everyone,
  By now we're all familiar with the fact that on DCRB-L we like to 
preface our subject lines with the topic being addressed.  This 
usually helps people find a message in their inbox queue or know 
whether they need to respond immediately--or whatever.  With the 
current discussion, I noticed that the specific topic is getting lost 
in my inbox "menu" because of the length of the topic name.  (This 
probably depends on our differing e-mail software, but I am sure others 
are in the same boat.)  For instance, mine show up this way:  "[DCRB-L] 
General principles...." or "Re: [DCRB-L General princi.....". What I 
suggest is that we abbreviate as much as possible so that the "thread" 
we are addressing will be readily seen in everyone's inbox menu.  My 
idea is this:  there are 6 working groups working on different 
topics and I believe their order has been set and "published".  So, for 
instance, by using WG to stand for Working Group (or, T for Topic) and 
a number for the order, then WG4 (T4) would be "Collection-level 
cataloging". Following that could be a brief description of the 
"thread" being addressed, much of which would show in our menus.  How 
does this sound? Also, if the order of Working Groups hasn't been made 
clear (to DCRB-L, I can't remember), then perhaps we could ask Deborah 
to send us a short message with just that info in it.
					Thanks for listening, Jain


Jain Fletcher 
Head, Technical Services Division
Dept. of Special Collections 
A1713 YRL
Research Library - UCLA
Box 951575
Los Angeles, CA   90095-1575

v: (310) 794-4096
f:  (310) 206-1864