Subject Tags - Validate Subject Lines
If your mailing list needs more structure, consider using Subject Tags. You can limit messages to your list, based upon the start of the Subject Line.
What are Subject Tags
Subject tags are one-word categories added to the beginning of a subject line. They can be customized to your own list needs.
Any mailing list might use tags such as ADMIN for list administration emails, and MISC for general or off-topic emails. For example, a mailing list on controlling clutter might use tags such as:
- TIP for helpful hints
- TASK when inviting others to participate in a cleanup challenge
- SUCCESS for announcing what they've accomplished
Using tags can also prevent spam messages sent by a subscriber's hijacked machine from ever reaching your membership.
Requirements on Usage
Subject tags require the subject line of an incoming message to meet certain requirements before being sent to the subscribers.
Options:
- Restrict to only be used by list moderators.
- Restrict by not allowing Replies.
Rejection if current subject tag not used
Emails not including current subject tags will be returned to the sender. The return email will state the post was not sent. A list of subject tags will be included, so the sender can update their message.
Use the Web Interface to Change Settings
Log into your mail-list account at https://database.mail-list.com.
- Click Customize Your List
- Click Posting Messages to List.
- Click Validate Subject Lines.
- Click Yes.
- Click Save.

Add Rules
In Posting Messages to List Menu -
- Click Validate Subject Line Rules.
- Add rules in format shown.
- Click Save.

Rules Definition
Location | Definition |
---|---|
First Column | Word that MUST appear at start of Subject Line. |
Second Column |
Are Replies allowed? (Yes or No) |
Third Column |
Can Subscribers use this tag? (Yes or No) |
Example
ADMIN: No No
MISC: No Yes
TIP: Yes Yes
TASK: Yes Yes
SUCCESS: Yes Yes
- Only list moderators can use ADMIN at the beginning of the Subject Line.
- Everyone can send messages with the other Subject Tags.
- MISC cannot have Replies, but TIP, TASK and SUCCESS can have replies.