Method and system for dynamic reader-instigated categorization and distribution restriction on mailing list threads

A method of regulating message traffic in a data processing system, said method comprising:

• sending a first message as part of a thread, said first message including a toolset including multiple tools that are each executable by a client receiving the first message to regulate message traffic;
• receiving a response to said first message;
• tabulating said response in a counter;
• comparing said counter to a threshold;
• in response to said comparing step, designating said thread as off-topic;
• receiving a second message for transmission;
• determining if said second message is directed to the thread designated as off-topic;
• packaging said second message in accordance with said determining, wherein said step of packaging said second message further comprises queuing said message for transmission to a reduced subset of one or more previous thread recipients and including a more limited toolset in the second message than in the first message if said second message is determined to be directed to the thread designated as off-topic, wherein the more limited toolset includes at least one tool executable by a client receiving the second message to regulate message traffic;
• and
• sending said second message.