FAQ Version 1.3



What is modslist?

Modslist is an electronic forum for those interested in mods or modernism to interact with like minded people. It was run manually until March, 1996, when it moved to a majordomo listserver at pobox.com. In July, 1996 it was moved again to a majordomo server at bolis.com. In March, 1998, the bolis.com server was shut down and the modslist moved to mailinglist.net. Topics frequently discussed on modslist include clothes, scooters and music. The idea behind modslist was Aya Shibahara's (who is no longer on the list). Aya started a crude version of the list in 1994, but it was Lisa Gerson (lisa@modernist.com) who made the list what it is today and who continues to maintain it.


What is a mod?

In the late 50s and very early 60s, the term "mod" (or "modernist", for long) was given to a hip cat or kitten who listened to modern jazz. The term was co-opted by a British youth movement in the early to mid sixties. Art, drugs, fashion, and music were at the core of this early mod movement; though political and social ideologies were later attributed to it. The wild clothes, music, and art produced and consumed by these kids inspired later "mod revivals". Each local and national revival produced music and art which was patterned on the 60s mod aesthetic; from loosely to quite strictly. Each scene and individual created their own lifestyles which fit their definition of what it is to be a mod. Many people who currently consider themselves mods model their lifestyle after the mods of the sixties; including the clothes that they wear, the scooters they ride, the music they listen to, and the books that they read. Others believe that being a mod today means keeping abreast of contemporary developments in the arts and music. Of course, many mods live a lifestyle which fits neither extreme. There are people from all groups on this list.


Do you have to be a mod to be a member of modslist?

No! Anyone is welcome to be a member of modslist provided that they acknowledge that the purpose of this list is to discuss topics which are likely to be of general interest to others on the list. People who cannot appreciate the mod aesthetic will probably not enjoy the list.


How do I subscribe to modslist?

Send an email message to majordomo@mailinglist.net with "subscribe modslist" (no quotes) in the body of the message. A digest version of the modslist is also available. To subscribe to the digest, send an email message to majordomo@mailinglist.net with "subscribe modslist-digest" (no quotes) in the body of the message.

How do I unsubscribe from modslist?

Send an email message to majordomo@mailinglist.net with "unsubscribe modslist" (no quotes) in the body of the message. If you are subscribed to the digest, send an email message to majordomo@mailinglist.net with "unsubscribe modslist-digest" (no quotes) in the body of the message.

What if I still can't subscribe or unsubscribe?

Write to lisa@modernist.com and ask for help.



The modslist FAQ is still being revised at this time. Please send any corrections, suggestions or comments to me at lisa@modernist.com

Lisa Gerson
maintainer, modslist



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