Hi Ben,

Sorry for any confusion. Listserv does not add the extraneous characters.
They are caused by formatting codes added by e-mail programs. Whether one
uses a web-based or software-based mail program, there is usually an option
to send plain text. If one uses a web-based mail program, consult the help
file if you don't see the plain text button.

To turn on plain text in Windows Live Mail:

Click on the "Plain Text" button. Compose and send your posting.

To turn on plain text in Outlook Express:

Click on Format / Click on Plain text

You can toggle between HTML and Plain text in most e-mail programs.

Codes can also appear when one cuts and pastes text from a word processor, a
web site or from another e-mail message. The "invisible" codes that contain
formatting information are interpreted as characters by Listserv.

Also, please note that e-mail attachments of any kind are not accepted in
Mark Twain Forum postings. This is for security reasons to avoid the
spreading of viruses and malware.

Since the Mark Twain Forum was founded in 1992, much has changed in the way
that text is handled. Unfortunately, Listserv has not kept pace with the
changes.
Since we are grateful guests of York University, we do not have control over
the software used.

The Mark Twain Forum archive pages are web-based. Quite often the extraneous
characters that makes a posting difficult to read in e-mail messages does
not appear in the archived messages. New postings appear almost immediately,
so if you are having trouble deciphering an e-mail message reading it in the
archive may be an option.

https://listserv.yorku.ca/archives/twain-l.html

If anyone needs assistance with how to turn send plain text postings, please
contact me directly and I'll try my best to help. Contact me at
[log in to unmask]

Kevin B.