(Vanity) Info on starting a ping list

[Dan Middleton]

Alright, silly question here, I admit. I've been an occasional lurker/poster on FR for close to four years now, and while I'm on several ping lists, I've never managed one. I was hoping to get a little advice on the logistics of getting one rolling. Any help would be appreciated.

[RDTF]

paste the usernames you want on each list (separated by ;) on a word doc or even on your home page - and then highlight, copy, paste them all when you want to ping them

[SamAdams76]

If you are starting a ping list to alert us to threads about ping lists, consider me pingworthy.

[Dan Middleton]

RDTF, thanks for the information. I know how to ping multiple people as you describe already. I guess what I’m looking for is advice on the best way to make people aware of a new ping list and gain subscribers so the list is useful. Nothing to be done except post, “I’ve started a ping list” in thread related to the subject, I suppose.

[RDTF]

what I see people do here is ping people to an active thread of interest and in th ebody of that ping say ‘freepmail me to get on or off this ping list’

You can do a keyword search to see who has shown interest in certain topics to get your initial ping list.

[Jet Jaguar]

After you post the article or the ping to the article,

Put a “If you would like to be on/off my misc. ping list please FReepmail me”

JJ

[Dan Middleton]

Thanks very much for the advice, everyone.

[martin_fierro]

Alright, silly question here, I admit. I've been an occasional lurker/poster on FR for close to four years now, and while I'm on several ping lists, I've never managed one. I was hoping to get a little advice on the logistics of getting one rolling. Any help would be appreciated.

Sorry, I have no idea.

[BlueDragon]

"If you are starting a ping list to alert us to threads about ping lists, consider me pingworthy.

If I see any new "not a ping list" ping lists pop up, I'll ping 'ya, just to help keep you fully pinged, and up to date!

[aculeus]

Sorry, I have no idea.

Go to your room!

[trussell]

First rule: Do not add people to your ping list without them asking to be added.

Many ping-list holders are doing that now, and it’s aggravating to be pinged when you haven’t requested it.

[mikrofon]

BTW, who is the listmeister of the “Do Not Ping Me Under Any Circumstances If You Know What’s Good For You” ping list?

[martin_fierro]

BTW, who is the listmeister of the “Do Not Ping Me Under Any Circumstances If You Know What’s Good For You” ping list?

My guess is that it's SNC

[southernnorthcarolina]

Dang, five years really flies when you’re having fun.

[sionnsar]

Nothing to be done except post, “I’ve started a ping list” in thread related to the subject, I suppose.

That tends to be most effective. There is also a FReeper who keeps the list on ping list pingers (but I have forgotten who it is).

But from my experience with the Traditional Anglican, Undead Thread (sort of an exception), FreeRepublic Pipes & Drums, Geezer Geek and (as of a few minutes ago) the Liturgical Music ping lists, just start pinging the list on relevant threads, even if it's just you yourself. People will see it and ask.

A graphic to go along with it doesn't hurt one bit, for example:

  Liturgical Music Ping!

  This is a low-volume ping list (typically days to weeks between pings).
 FReepmail Huber and/or sionnsar if you want on or off this list.

[sionnsar]

First rule: Do not add people to your ping list without them asking to be added.

I second that!

[Gamecock]

A ping list requires a lot of work and starting one should not be taken lightly. It requires dedication, hardwork and it is a thankless job.

I do not reccomend you that you start one unless you are willing to spend sleepness nights managing the ping list and seaching the web for appropriate material to post.

You will be scorned and ridiculed and for what? Not one red penny!

You have been warned.

[TonyRo76]

Haha! Gamecock speaks the truth here ;o)

But really, running a ping list can also be very gratifying. You learn a lot, connect with other Freepers, and sometimes you can stimulate very scintillating conversations!

The advice so far on this thread is all quite sound and good. A couple thoughts I might add...

Operating a ping list doesn't mean you necessarily have to post every article that appears on your particular topic. If someone else has posted a thread that pertains to your area of interest, it's perfectly OK to ping your list to that thread (usually best done within the first 30 comments or so). In fact, often the original poster may ask you to ping your list. It's important to keep up with such requests; you'll be very much appreciated for that!

Also, if your ping list gets to be high-volume and you need help, it's perfectly acceptable to find a partner to co-manage the list. This is what Las Vegas Dave and I do for the Ohio ping list. (Well, actually we more/less combined two existing ping lists, but the result is the same!) That way, the entire burden of finding/posting/pinging articles does not all fall on one individual.

[Larry Lucido]

I was told in an e-mail that Bill Gates will send me a dollar for every person on my ping list each time I ping them. I’ll be rich soon!

[TonyRo76]

ROFL! The dollar-from-Bill-Gates spam, FReeper style...