You can subscribe to the list in mail mode by sending a message to RIDGWAY-L-request@rootsweb.com that contains the word subscribe and nothing else. If you prefer digest mode, you should send the command to: RIDGWAY-D-request@rootsweb.com

Send the command "unsubscribe" to RIDGWAY-L-request@rootsweb.com (if in mail mode) or RIDGWAY-D-request@rootsweb.com (if in digest mode.) To switch from one mode to the other, you should unsubscribe from one and then subscribe to the other. There is no "no mail" mode -- if you want messages to stop, you should simply unsubscribe.

In general this mailing list is for the discussion and sharing of information regarding the RIDGWAY surname and variations (e.g., Rydeware, Rydgeway, Wrydgway, Rudgwy, Ridgwaie, Ridgeway) in any place and at any time.

Once you subscribe, you use your e-mail program (Eudora, Netscape Mail, Microsoft Exchange, etc) to compose and send messages to the list. To post to both RIDGWAY-L and RIDGWAY-D, messages should be sent to RIDGWAY-L@rootsweb.com. Regular messages (NOT commands, like subscribe, etc) sent there will appear both places. This message, once posted, will be read by all that are subscribed to the list. If any of these subscribers has something to contribute or wishes to respond to your message they will do so. Don't get upset if your messages go unheeded, as this is sometimes the case with smaller more specific mailing lists such as a single surname.

Mailing lists are actually quite simple in structure. A piece of e-mail is sent to the list's address and the list retransmits that message to everyone who is subscribed.

Every mailing list really has two addresses: the list name, where posts should be sent, and the list name followed by -request, where commands to the list server software should be sent. For example, posts to RIDGWAY-L should go to RIDGWAY-L@rootsweb.com while "subscribe" and "unsubscribe" requests should go to RIDGWAY-L-request@rootsweb.com.

This list operates in two modes:

MAIL mode, where every post is sent to subscribers as a separate piece of e-mail. MAIL mode requires a great deal of effort by the list server computer. MAIL mode lists are often named <list name>-M.

DIGEST mode, where about twenty posts are grouped together and then sent to the subscribers. Digests produce less clutter in your mailbox, but replying to an individual message may require a little extra effort. DIGEST mode lists are often named <list name>-D.

Why not, it can only add a few messages to your mailbox. Seriously though, if you wish to stay informed of anyone researching the RIDGWAY family name or for any of the other reasons listed below:

Announcements of reunions

Surname queries

Information exchange

Research exchange

and anything else that falls in the realm of genealogy and related research…