[ns] autoresponder on ns-users

[John Heidemann <johnh@ISI.EDU>]

We have just enabled an autoresponder on the ns-users mailing list.

This program will catch the first message a user send to the list and
send them a welcome message and the FAQ.  This will happen INSTEAD of
their message going to the list.  They are then asked to re-send their
message if their question is not answered in the FAQ.

Second and subsequent messages from the poster will go right through
to the list.  (No more FAQs.)

The intent of this is to cut down on questions from people who aren't
aware of the FAQ.  It will also hopefully provide very quick
(automatic) responses to common questions.  These changes should make
the list more useful to everyone.

As a side-effect, EVERYONE will get a copy of the "new users message".
Hopefully our loyal ns-users posters can put up with one extra
message.

(A copy of new user's message is attached so folks don't have to poke
it to see it :-)

   -John Heidemann

----------------------------------------------------------------------

> Welcome to the ns-users mailing list!
> 
> We automatically send this message to every new person who sends mail
> to the list.  You should only receive it once.  My apologies if the
> program contacts you twice, perhaps because you have multiple e-mail
> addresses or send mail from multiple machines.
> 
> If you are an experienced ns-user who simply has not posted since we
> started using this responder, our apologies for inconveniencing you
> with this message.  This message is intended to help inform users and
> cut down on redundant posts, which benefits everyone.
> 
> Please look at the attached list of ns Frequently Asked Questions.
> If it answers your question, great!  You're done.
> If not, please RE-SEND your original message to ns-users@isi.edu.
> A copy of your original message is included below for reference.
> 
> You will NOT have to do re-send your message every time you post, only
> the FIRST time you send from a new account.  The goal is to quickly
> help new users find the FAQ (hopefully answering their question).
> 
> Thanks,
>    -John Heidemann
> 
> [the faq follows]
>
> [a copy of the first message follows]