NP

[jbor]

> From: "Mark A. Douglas" <mdougla1@[omitted]> 

> [...] And not to call anyone out at all, but why, if it's on the list, =
> and related only to the list (which has a vibrant if unhealthy life of =
> its own away from its Pynchon base) is it also posted to the individual =
> in an offlist manner?  I mean, they'll read it on the list, won't they?=20
>

I think it's simply a polite way of addressing that person, sort of implying
that you're expecting/ed (a/to) reply (from/to) her or him, whether on or
offlist. A nuance of the way discussion actually operates, like facing the
person in a real social encounter. It seems to be a convention of sorts; it
doesn't bother me personally, however. I only do it fairly haphazardly
myself.

best