I subscribe to probably dozens of newsletters.  I don't read every item
in each one, I scan, glean, pick and choose  items which are valuable
to me.  For the same reason, I don't subscribe to hardcopy news papers
or watch commercial TV.  I value NPR and PBS highly, and contribute to
their support since I 'use'  (listen/watch) their service constantly.

I do subscribe to various magazines which are heavily endowed with my
interests.  When the content falls below acceptability or ads exceed
acceptability, I terminate the subscription.  I have simply a 'passing
interest' in lots of things.  I am very eclectic.  If I were to pay for
every newsletter in which I had some interest, I would be broke and be
able to follow none.  Is it really wrong to have a 'passing interest'
in subjects?

I scan MMD for items which may be currently germane.  If there are
none, I delete it.  I am sent (as are many other subscribers)
unsolicited 'newsletters' from unrelated, undesired sources.  I can
continue subscription [to these newsletters], though I don't know
how it started.  I can unsubscribe.

I can send them a nasty note saying I didn't ask for it in the
first place (but isn't that really a waste of time on deaf ears?), or
I can "block the sender", which is what I normally do (a delightfully,
refreshing experience of surgically closing the door without personal
involvement or feedback).  I had to learn my options in order to
control my mail.  If the US Postal Service were so accommodating, it
would be fantastic.

The MMD is interesting and occasionally I see something of interest
and follow the thread.  If I have something to offer I respond.
The newsletter indeed is the property of Robbie and Jody and they
generously solicit and listen to criticism.  Electricity really is
not the expense, but the untold hours at the keyboard, over coffee,
and restless sleep when something goes wrong.

I enjoy scanning the topics, occasionally following a thread, watching
someone become enlightened, feeling bad for one who can't get it,
basically following things develop.  I am not 'hardcore' MMD, just a
passing interest, and if I were to be dropped because I didn't subscribe
(according to this thinking), it would be, to me, the same as saying my
particular interests and my particular reasons for viewing the
newsletter are not acceptable, not strong enough.  O.K.

I don't object to a private club, closed to 'outsiders' and charging
for annual membership.  That's what rules are for.

Samuel Marquez