RBMAIL IS PRIVATE

The River Bend E-mail list is not sponsored nor run by the Town of River Bend as some residents think. It was started several years ago from around 20 River Bend e-mail addresses on the New Bern Computer Users Group (NBCUG) member list. At that time, if one wanted to address the group they had to copy/paste all addresses into their outgoing message header. NBCUG also has a broadcast e-mail list.

As the list grew from both new members at NBCUG and requests from residents, it became cumbersome to copy/paste addresses. Carolina Connections offered to retain the list at their ISP where one could address all residents by simply sending a message to rbmail@cconnect.net. Al Kish was instrumental in getting this change and now keeps the list updated at the ISP.

I maintain the RBmail master list with names, addresses and telephone numbers of members and issue it periodically so residents can see who's on the list. I use it to contact residents when e-mail addresses bounce, usually due to a change of their ISP. We permit only residents, past residents, town employees and property owners in River Bend to be on the list. Al Kish and I run it because it's fun. If it ceases to be fun due to bickering over messages or administration, we're history and someone else will have to take over. We're always open to suggestions.

No one can send mail to rbmail@cconnect.net unless they're on the list. Their message must come from precisely the same e-mail address that's on the master list otherwise it will be rejected. For those having trouble sending mail to RBmail this may be their problem. It is set it up this way so outsiders cannot spam the list.

WHAT CAN ONE SEND TO RBMAIL?

We have no rules for RBmail. I'm often asked if it is OK to send a message on a particular subject such as a yard sale, lost dog or whatever. When broadcasting to many people, no matter what is sent somebody is going to object. If you want flak, try sending a commercial message advertising a new encyclopedia you're peddling. Most residents don't want commercial spamming.

My advice is to use one's best judgement regarding content and bear the consequences. If someone becomes obnoxious and starts using profanity, our solution is simple. We take them off the list and they no longer can post messages. We've never done that. Normally RBmail is very quiet, but every now and then it goes hyperactive when a controversy occurs. Fortunately, emotions cool quickly, comments spool off into oblivion and we're back to quiet.

I see nothing wrong with lost dogs, yard sales, personal computer or car ads, questions about computers, gardening, editorials, tips, etc., but not all will agree. Should we get into an important controversy, as happened with campaign e-mail earlier, we'll set up a poll on the Web and see what the majority of residents think.

THE FUTURE OF RBMAIL

RBmail is new to many River Benders. Some are not quite sure what to use it for and some use it, get flak and fade away. Send a message with an untruth and you'll get lots of flak. This is no problem. We're just having e-mail growing pains. If things go well, in time folks will begin to realize how important broadcast e-mail is to the town. Not only will they be more careful what they send but more tolerant of what they receive. There will always be new people making mistakes. Try not to be too harsh on them. They're your neighbors.

I would like to see RBmail used more for River Bend's town business. All Councilpersons have said they want to "listen to the residents' will." They do this by having hearings on important matters. Unfortunately, only a few people generally show up, usually to voice objections. Councilpersons could supplement hearings with a message to Rbmail providing a URL where residents could vote their opinion at a Web poll. The poll would not reach all residents but it would probably represent a larger unbiased sample than a hearing.

A second suggestion is for Councilpersons and Committees to send periodic RBmail messages on how town projects are coming along instead of residents having to wait a month. With more useful news, more residents would join RBmail. Nancy Orr, our Town Clerk, already uses it very effectively.

If you are not yet a member of RBmail, call Dave Wallace (638-7077) or Al Kish (638-5487). It's free.