NavList:

A couple of weeks ago I turned off the "send private email" option on the message boards. This was about 50% a technical issue and 50% a usage issue. On the technical side, sending emails in this way was a form of email "spoofing" where the message boards would send an email on the sender's behalf. Several years ago, a few of the big email services, including gmail, began rejecting messages sent indirectly like this. This rejection behavior is becoming increasingly common. Secondarily, I had reports of some "unfortunate" social behavior that was being conducted using the private email feature. Given those two factors, I decided it was time to shut it down.

I plan to implement a feature this month that will allow any member to send a "request for email communication" to another member. That will allow both members to "opt in" and exchange email addresses. That solves the technical problem and leaves the social problem in the hands of the individuals involved. Sound good?

A couple of months ago I asked for input on another Celestial Navigation conference to be held at Mystic Seaport Museum. I had suggested early June or early November of 2019. June this year is definitely off the table. We may be able to have a gathering in early November, but I think June of 2020 is probably a better bet. Just keeping you all updated on that one.

Finally, as of last August, it appeared we might have the lowest message traffic in over a decade on NavList. But you (we) rallied in the fall and avoided that fate. Instead 2018 was the lowest message volume in 7 years. Considering that this is an obsolescent science/art/activity which we all enjoy, this is perhaps not too surprising, but it's still a decline...

Frank Reed