Patch-L is an internet discussion LIST aimed at furthering the principles of the Scout Oath and Law in the hobby of collecting Scouting's patches, badges and memorabilia. Subscriptions are free and open to members of Scouting programs associated with the World Organization of Scouting movements. Membership is not automatic, however, and potential subscribers must provide background information that will be reviewed by the list owners who will ultimately determine whether an applicant can join Patch-L.

Subscribers must be at least age 13 in order to apply.

What is a "LIST?"

A LIST is an online information distribution system made up of a SERVER and Subscribers. It's not terribly complicated, but in essence, members subscribe to an e-mail distribution server. Subscribers send a note to the Server's address and the server redistributes the message to all subscribers. Recipients can reply either to the original sender or respond to the entire list.

What can I expect to see on Patch-L?

Offers to trade patches, badges, books, neckerchiefs and just about anything that has to do with Scouting. Most members are from the United States and belong to the Boy Scouts of America, but membership is open to all Scouting memorabilia hobbyists from any country and the list includes collectors of Girl Scouting and Guiding memorabilia as well.

How do I join Patch-L?

Easier than you might think. Just click here, to request an invitation.  Once your information is reviewed by Don or Kevin, you will likely receive an official invitation via email to accept. Once you click on the link to accept the invitation, you will automatically be added to Patch-L.

Everything seems to have rules and Patch-L has had to develop a few to prevent problems that have occasionally occurred on the list. Subscribers are expected to comply with Patch-L ETHICS and Patch-L RULES (so you should review them before you apply) and any new rules that Listowners may need to announce to the list. Members agree they can be removed at anytime by the listowners without notice if the listowners decide it's in the best interests of the list. A couple of important rules we emphasize:

• You must not offer to sell in postings to the list (even if you don't include prices - you cannot post offers to sell). This includes offers to trade for "dead presidents", announcement of your e-bay offerings or any other kind of post that puts you in the position of selling something or otherwise involved in what could be considered commercial activity by our host.
• You must not post any sort of "virus" warning to the list. Nearly all of these are hoaxes and posting will get you removed immediately. If you have a concern, contact a listowner first.
• Negative posts about another trader will result in your removal from the list.
• NO ATTACHMENTS.

Who are the list owners?

Patch-L was started by Eric Pierce (New York) at SUNY- Buffalo in November of 1995 while a struggling college student in response to complaints by subscribers on other Scouting lists (Scouts-L and Arrow-L) that did not want "patch trading" clogging up their e-mail boxes. Kevin Doyle (Hawaii) joined Eric as a co-owner 10 months later to help lighten the load (Eric did not tell Kevin that list-owners really don't have a life.) Eric finally decided he wanted a life and turned over his share of the burden to Donald Shull (Ohio) in 2001. Generally, Don manages the mechanics of the operation and Kevin handles subscriptions. In 2008, budget cuts forced SUNY to discontinue LISTs unrelated to their research mission and Patch-L moved to Google groups.