Typed language is naturally colder than spoken language, because it is stripped of voice inflections and body language. Quite easily, humor can be taken as insult, especially if subtle. It is safest to frankly note satirical messages. Email lists are as good, and only as good, as the subscribers make them. Lists work best when intelligent people bring fresh knowledge and ideas to the table.
New ideas can stimulate discussion.
Trivial or inane comments often kill discussion. Write meaty, thoughtful things and everyone will benefit from the list. And if you know of other alumni who would be eligible for and interested in the listservs, please pass the word along to them, or to us in your response.