On Conner Prairie's web site the public can either contact us as individuals or generic through [log in to unmask] If they go through info. email it goes to a central point and then is distributed by a staff member to the appropriate individual. In my experience, most people find museum job titles confusing and, therefore, are more likely to use the info e-mail. When it comes to collections and conservation type inquiries, 99% of the public contact us via the telephone. Lana Newhart-Kellen Registrar Conner Prairie Living History Museum 13400 Allisonville Rd Fishers IN 46038 317-776-6000 ext. 251 317-776-6014 fax >>> [log in to unmask] 01/21/04 09:19AM >>> There has been debate here internally on this matter as we look to expand our web site. There is some concern over the harvesting of e-mail addresses and spamming. There is also some concern over tremendously increasing the volume of public inquiries and the staff's inability to accomodate them. It has been suggested the we should utilize a central e-mail address for all inquiries instead of individual, personal staff addresses. Some have also suggested that we *not* include staff names, titles or phone numbers. Personally, I see no threat or inconvenience in posting my name or title on our web site. As a public institution, I believe we should help the public get the answers it needs from the people it needs to get them as efficiently and painlessly as possible. However, there is also a concern that any 6th grader with a computer or a telephone can flood the system with inquiries the night before a test or paper is due, etc. And, being that we are not a research institution, we are not setup to deal with such things...at least not on a regular basis. We are somewhat divided here on this issue. Perhaps I am too idealistic but a wise colleague once advised me, "Remember that your credentials as a curator don't mean very much to lots and lots of people. Don't ever lord them over anyone. Answer all queries from the public, no matter who they may be with sincerity and good will. Return all phone calls, emails...and letters. You can build up tremendous good will...this way." Yet I suppose the real question at hand is how easy we make it for that public to reach us. Please weigh in. Certainly thoughts on this matter vary from institution to institution and it is a serious issue that directly impacts staff resources. Thank you for your time. - Jeremy T. Chrabascz ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes). ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).