Just to add my two cents...it is distressing that Alison McKee left the list for the reason she did but having lurked angrily during the domestic violence debate I certainly can understand why. Regarding vacations which is the title of this post, someone told me that it is possible to go on some kind of vacation status re the list, that is something other than simply unsubscribing and then resubscribing. This person indicated that one's posts could somehow be held during their absence and recalled upon return. Is this true or just a foolish wish? Dianne