native-religions mailing list

What it is. How to Subscribe.


The first time that I was asked to "audition" or "interview" for a mailing list, I was disappointed, because the process seemed so impersonal. Then, after subscribing to several mailing lists, I began to see why some mailing lists need to be private. I'd like to offer a little information and explanation, so that you understand why this and other mailing lists screen people.

native-religions is a restricted (private) mailing list. It's not private because I want to censor anyone, or to shut anyone out. I have been on mailing lists that were unmoderated and public. It was very hard to have serious discussions or to "stay on track" on these lists. This list is private so that people who want to discuss the list content can do so with focus, and without constant interruption.

Here's a description of the mailing list:

native-religions is a new mailing list for serious, informed discussion about Native American religions within the borders of the United States. I created this list because I couldn't find another one like it on the internet. Most of the content falls under "ethnography" or "Indian Studies," but don't let that scare you off. It's not just a list for professors or academics.

Here's what you need to know for this list. It is not necessary to be American Indian to be a member of this list. Post to the topic. If something is your opinion, say so. There's nothing wrong with having an opinion. However, if you present yourself as an authority, you must be prepared to back up your statements with evidence, a rational argument, or both. If we're humble enough, we might all learn something here.

There are topics which it should be obvious don't belong on this list: new age shamanism, poetry, chat, genealogy, political issues, computer virus warnings, computer chain-mail, ads, and our old friend, spam. Likewise, it's probably not your cup of tea if you believe in "discoverers before Columbus," the lost tribes of Israel, or that aliens dropped the Indians here. If you are a follower of Mary Summer Rain, Carlos Castenda, Lynn Andrews, Michael Harner, or others like them, then this list is NOT for you. There's a good reason for that. There are plenty of other internet mailing lists for those folks and their topics. It's pretty simple. The list is what it says it is. Native Religions.

If you are added to the list, you will receive a rather long welcome letter. I urge you to read it. It has guidelines for the list. You may read it and say, "Why is he telling me this? I know all this stuff!" It's because I have to write the letter for everyone. You may know the things in the letter, but I can assure you that there are tons of people who don't.

If you like subscribing through e-mail, here are the commands:

native-religions-subscribe@onelist.com - Subscribe to the list
native-religions-unsubscribe@onelist.com - Unsubscribe from the list
native-religions-normal@onelist.com - Switch your subscription to normal
native-religions-digest@onelist.com - Switch your subscription to digest
native-religions@onelist.com - post messages to the list
native-religions-owner@onelist.com - Sends email to the list owner

You can also subscribe or unsubscribe by going to the OneList website at http://www.onelist.com. Here's a button, if you want to go to the OneList website and subscribe:


Click to subscribe to native-religions

For the subscribe, unsubscribe, normal, and digest commands, just send an empty email to the address. Note: If your e-mail program won't allow you to send empty e-mails, just put "subscribe" or "unsubscribe" in the body.


Back to my Home Page

Copyright ©1999 Adam Seward
native-religions-owner@onelist.com
This page last updated 14 May 1999.