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Last updated: before December, 1998
A mail storm is caused by a mail server which incorrectly sends error messages to the mailing list instead of the Error_to: address in the message header. When it sends an error message to the list it sometimes causes the same error to be repeated. This goes on and on and our inboxes quickly fill up with recurring error messages. This is what is called mail storm. They are unusual, but one has occurred in the life of this mailing list.
There is nothing I can do to stop this from happening because it is caused by an error in the remote system. I am able to remove the offending address from the mailing list when I log on and discover the problem, but the mail storm will probably have been stopped by the mail server before I do this.
I will however make a complaint to the postmaster of the offending system, asking them to permanently correct the problem.
If this ever occurs again DO NOT SEND ANY MAIL TO THE LIST AS IT WILL ONLY MAKE THE SITUATION WORSE BECAUSE EVERY ADDITIONAL MESSAGE SIMPLY INCREASES THE RATE OF THE MAIL STORM.
I will appreciate your understanding and cooperation with this, as will everybody else on the list.