ietf-822
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Re: Understanding response protocols

2004-09-17 09:55:37

But the common case is when the list is a discussion list (as this
one) and the expectation is that authors will write to the list with
suggestions and list members are expected to reply to the list with
comments, such as "Brilliant!", or "This is nuts!". In such cases, all
communications should be To: the list, and maybe Cc: the author if he
has requested it.

No.  Several cases are valid for this list, and for most lists.  In 
particular, it's often reasonable to send a message To this list, 
it's often reasonable to send a message (or a reply) To an 
individual and Cc this list, and it's sometimes reasonable to send a 
message To another list and Cc this list.  [*]

Note that there's a subtle but useful difference between a reply that is
addressed To the author of the subject message with a CC to the list,
and a reply that is addressed To the list (with or without a CC to the
author).  

Keith

[*] Even if there are some lists for which only one case applies, this
is a matter of etiquette, not of protocol :)