http://www.apocalypse.org/sappho/history.html (PC Press Internet CD, 03/1996)Sappho has operated pretty much continuously since then, although it has occasionally moved to different machines. Some addresses sappho has had are:
Sappho has grown to be truly international in scope. The list has or has had members from the USA, Canada, Germany, Denmark, Finland, France, Great Britian, Ireland, Isreal, Argentina, Australia, New Zeland, and several other countries i can't recall offhand.
Over the years, the list has grown to somewhere in the vicinity of 500 subscribers and has spawned several splinter lists (including ba-sappho (SF Bay Area sappho), boston-sappho, euro-sappho, moms (for lesbian mothers), owls (for older lesbians), and a bunch more.
The first known print reference to sappho was in the infamous houston chronicle "the internet is bringing porn to our children" article (circa 1990 or 1991) which mentioned it as "closely guarded".
Sappho is open to all women, although only women may join. Sappho does not discriminate against transsexuals. Sappho is not moderated. Sappho is officially for the discussion of topics of interest to gay and bisexual women. (of course, if a gay/bi woman is posting something, then it is an issue of interest to at least one gay/bi woman, hence the list can emcompass all sorts of topics, from the excruciatingly academic to the excruciatingly frivolous.)
It is considered bad form and impolite for sappho postings to be forwarded on to other folks without the permission of the original poster.
--zonker 27sep94