Japanese-pow Listserv
The purpose of the Japanese-pow Listserv is to provide members a means for sharing information relating to Prisoners of War of the Japanese during World War II. Membership is open to anyone who wants to send and receive messages on this subject.
A listserv may be described as an automatic e-mail re-mailer. The Japanese-pow Listserv is a "closed" listserv which means that only people that have been "subscribed" as members of a listserv may send messages that are retransmitted to all members of the listserv. The sponsor of the Japanese-pow Listserv is West-Point.Org (WP-ORG for brevity). Please do not be concerned that the name West Point is in the title of the sponsoring organization. The name comes from the origin when a group of West Point graduates wanted to take advantage of the internet to exchange messages rapidly with all members of their group. WP-ORG is NOT an official organization of the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY. This organization has grown to become a sponsor for a large number of lists including a list for almost every graduated class, parents groups, sports groups, friends of West Point groups and others - about 30,000 members combined in all groups. This fine organization has volunteered to sponsor our group of persons interested in sharing information concerning Prisoners of War of the Japanese during World War II.
We have four rules concerning messages sent via this
listserv:
(1) messages may not exceed 17KB in length,
(2) messages must be written in "Plain Text" (not in "Rich Text" or "HTML"),
(3) attachments to messages are not allowed, and
(4) message content is restricted to information about POWs of the Japanese.
As the Listserv Moderator, I have the responsibility of enforcing compliance
with these rules.
Members of this listserv may send messages to all members of the listserv at any time by sending an e-mail to the group address that is provided to all members. When you receive a message and want to comment on it, you can send a message to the entire group in the same manner. Also, you can reply to the sender only if you so choose.
There is no direct cost to members; however, it should be obvious that our sponsor (WP-ORG) needs some money for computer equipment and to pay several paid employees (there are many volunteers such as the moderator of this listserv who are not paid). Twice a year, WP-ORG will solicit contributions to obtain the money needed. When a fund drive begins, members will receive a message stating the amount needed and the number of members combined on all lists. For instance, a recent solicitation stated a need for just over $111,000.00 and a combined membership of about 30,000 persons - so each person can easily determine a member’s fair share. If you choose not to contribute, you will NOT be removed from the list. Contributions are voluntary. Of course, we hope that each member will be satisfied with the listserv and will want to contribute.
To join the Japanese-pow Listserv, send a message to me by using the e-mail link below. Include information about your relative that was a POW of the Japanese (relationship, his/her name, military rank, unit at the time of surrender. POW Camps and POW Ships - as much as you know of these) OR your other reason for joining the listserv. Former POWs are encouraged to join - especially if they are willing to assist descendants in their efforts to learn more about their former POW relative.
John B. Lewis
Moderator, Japanese-pow Listserv