January 24^th, 2001

Hello to all Jean's friends and supporters

I am writing this to explain about the list. First, the list was started because some of Jean's friends asked me if they could start a chatting club about Jean. Since I had started this list back in October 2000, I thought it would be better than chat. Of course, the list didn't work very much since October but now I think it is going well.

I know it did upset some of you but it is because you don't know how it works. Let me explain it and if I am wrong please do not hesitate to correct me.

Just as I have all your addresses stored on my computer, in Montreal, because you wrote to me or to Jean or asked to receive the updates, I have copied all your addresses on the list, which is stored on the TOPICA server.

So, I put all the addresses that I had, plus the new ones I get, almost every day, on the TOPICA server. When someone writes something to the address: jean_walk@topica.com

it is sent to all the addresses I have copied there, as an individual message to every one of you. You may think that you are the only one receiving the message on your computer but as soon as you see this address: jean_walk@topica.com in the heading of the message, it is also on everyone else's computer. So, if you receive a message asking you to remove someone from the list, it is not meant for you to do that but to the list owner: me!

Now you are not stuck on this list forever if you don't want it! It is easy enough to remove yourself from it by sending an e-mail to:

jean_walk-unsubscribe@topica.com

and if ever you wish to go back on the list again, send an e-mail to:

jean_walk-subscribe@topica.com

and you will start to receive all the messages again, providing someone is still writing.

For every one who asked to be taken off the list already, I did take you off. But this doesn't mean that I deleted your address from my computer. I keep all your addresses unless you e-mail me telling me to take you off forever. (I think only 2 people asked for that till now). I will continue to keep you updated on Jean's journey, but not the same way I use to do. Right now, I am trying to get organized. Just as I was overwhelmed with work after 2 weeks that Jean had left, because I wasn't organized, the same thing is happening now…because it is getting BIG. Of course, now, my e-mail addresses are all filed on my computer, but I have to add some almost every day. People are writing to me offering help or lodging for Jean and I have to answer. Some people are also writing to me by post, having no computer and asking me to keep them posted on Jean's progress by regular mail… and I have to write everything in French and English… and this is beside my full time job… As you can see, I have to get organized… don't I ???

I think the best way to share Jean's journey with you would be through his Website. I am dreaming of a page with a map of the country he is crossing with red dots on the cities where he stays and a red line showing his progress on the road. The red dots could be interactive and bring the viewer to a short story about his passage in that city… Like I said, I am dreaming… as I am a novice in Website managing… but I am also very determined to do it.

I hope nobody has been offended with the list. I understand some of you have their e-mail address at work and cannot cope with so many messages. (This is not mentioning all the advertising, since it is a free list). But to some of you, this is a great way to communicate, and I feel some very valuable things have been said about Jean.

Where is Jean now ??? Here is a copy of a message I received today:

To: archlulu@hotmail.com
Subject: Jean
Date: Wed, 24 Jan 2001 09:15:14 EST

Hi Luce, I talked to jean yesterday on the phone. He was in Gilchrist, Texas about 20 miles from Galveston. I plan to meat him and put him up at our house tonight.

Tommy Webb

Again a summary of the commands for the list:

If there is anything at all you don't like about the way I am doing things, please tell me. If you have any suggestion, idea, improvement, etc… please do not hesitate to e-mail me. I am trying to do all this with a very opened mind but limited time…

Like Jean would say…

Peace be with you !!!

Luce