I'm not in favor of splitting the list either.

Splitting the list *sounds* like a good idea, but I see some problems
with the practical aspects:

If we leave it to the moderator, he'll likely have the same problems
we all have currently, not to mention that the job is likely already
quite enough work.  It won't be any easier for Marv to determine to
which "channel" a particular post applies than it is for the rest of
us.  Sometimes it isn't obvious till there have been several posts on
a thread that it even *is* specific to a particular type much less
what that type is.

If we leave selection to the list members, it simply won't be done.
Heck, most of us don't even include our aircraft type in our signature
*or* the subject *or* the post.  So what are the chances that we'll
take the time and effort to select the "appropriate" channel for
a post, not to mention redirecting a thread should it morph?  If
done as separate lists would cross-posting be allowed?  There will
still be type specific posts to the "all" channel and (worse) general
interest posts to type specific channels.  And sometimes something
that at first blush seems to apply only to one type turns out to be
generally applicable.  So I'd probably wind up reading through all the
"channels" anyway -- only then I'd have a real problem *re*organizing
things.

Here's what I do:  

  I have my software (fetchmail & procmail) dump all LML
  stuff into a single directory separate from other mail
  (Mail/Aviation/Lancair/List).

  I scan to see if I'm even interested in a post.  I wind up reading
  everything anyway, but some I just skim.  This is where I often wish
  folks gave a little more thought when composing the subject for a
  new thread -- especially to include aircraft type if appropriate --
  and that they change the subject when the topic changes, but I'm
  probably as bad an offender as anyone else.

  I move or link into separate directories posts that I think
  I'll want to be able to lay hands on at some later date
  when I get to a particular phase of construction, like:
  Mail/Aviation/Lancair/List/Legacy
  Mail/Aviation/Lancair/List/Avionics
  Mail/Aviation/Lancair/List/CompositConstruction

This is one of the busiest lists I monitor, but it still isn't that
onerous -- except when I let a week or more go by without attention.
Only takes a few minutes per day.

-------------------
Paul Davis
INTP
Lancair Legacy builder
pdavis@bmc.com
Phone 713-918-1550
-------------------
Esse quam videri bonus malebat (Bellum Catilinae, LIV.6)
He (Cato) prefered to be good rather than seem good