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The current rash of "test messages" are not necessarily the fault of
those whose names are attached to the messages. The first one was
likely sent with a version of Outlook or Microsoft Mail. Those programs
have an option to receive notice of whether or not the message was read
by the recipient. As far as I know these are also the only programs
that will give the receipt message and only if the list is set as the
response address. As a result, when a message containing that machine
request was sent to 4000+ people, many of whom use MS Mail or Outlook,
many receipt messages were generated. If you'll notice, a great many of
the "test messages" indicated "Not Read." These people intentionally
deleted the message. Unfortunately, that action sent the "Not Read"
receipt message to the entire list.
J Wynia
User Education Specialist
AGRIS Corporation
Minneapolis, MN
