Hi, All-
        For what it's worth, my first impression when I read Lynn's "inquiring
mind" questionaire, I sensed a list of questions compiled by the prof
that the students had to fill in to do the report. Every year I do a
presentation for a careers day, to jr. & sr. high students.  The jr.
high kids often have a list of questions they are supposed to have me
answer - they read them off like they were reading the telephone book,
no idea what the questions mean, just "what's the answer? and when's
lunch?"  I try to give an answer that may mean something to them,
doesn't always work.  The questioner in this case sounds disturbingly
like the jr. high kids.
        Or maybe not.  It was just an impression.  I agree that we shouldn't
shut out genuine enthusiasm, but it's hard to convey emotions
electronically so we don't know where she's coming from.   (Maybe the
questioner could resubmit the list with emoticons, for clarity!). ;-)
        If this becomes a continuing problem, I don't see anything wrong with a
pre-written "response" that covers the general stuff, and a personal
reply if one seems necessary or important.  The pre-written piece should
certainly include a comment on how tight your schudule is; this, too, is
part of your work and something that students should be aware of.

-Gail