Frequently Asked Questions

A list based email bird discussion system .

A discussion group via email. Participants in these discussion groups place themselves on mailing lists (called "lists" for short) in order to be able to send messages to and receive messages from other subscribers on the list. Mich-chat is the name of this list. This list is managed by Jim Lesser.

Bird ID difficulties. 
Directions to birding hot spots.
Questions about where to find specific uncommon state breeding birds. 
Announcements of birding club field trips and meetings. 
Very limited discussions about habitat loss.
***Minimal information includes the date, county, and a major city nearby the area of discussion.
Please include enough information in the Subject line so that subscribers can choose to delete or open the message.
Sign your message.

No. Attachments are how viruses are inadvertently spread to our subscribers' computers. If you receive an attachment from this list, please delete the message and its attachment without reading it.

Rarity reports (defined in the mich-listers faq page). They belong on mich-listers. 
Advertising or solicitation is never allowed.
Mundane trip reports. We do not want reports of all of your outings.
Monopolizing the system, such as posting daily backyard or feeder sightings
Insulting, profanity, or "flaming."
Discussions of non-bird species such as butterflies or dragonflies.
Discussions of birds seen in other states or countries.

Sort of. There are ground rules. Remember, for example, that state rarity reports (defined on mich-listers faq page) belong in mich-listers, NOT mich-chat! Also remember that "chat" means sending information that will help others become better birders. Keep your messages brief. Do not send a message unless it will say something that has not already been said. This system is not to be used as a straw poll where everyone gives his "two cents worth." This is not a place to air political gripes.

Notes can only be sent from subscribed email addresses. I would suggest new subscribers "lurk" for at least 3 months before sending reports.

Only the list manager has access to the list membership. Precautions have been taken to keep list members' email addresses private. This will help prevent mass mailing of advertisements (called "spamming") to list members.

1 to 5 messages per day should be expected.

Click http://lists.envirolink.org/mailman/listinfo/mich-chat. This will take your web browser to the list interface. If you are not a subscriber, Enter your email address and a new password. Then, log in. From here, you'll be able to subscribe, unsubscribe and change many personal settings.

You must first subscribe. Send messages to all list members by addressing them to mich-chat@envirolink.org

Please copy this email address into your address book for future reference.

Send your question to Jim Lesser at lesser@jameslesser.com

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