- Save the welcome message you get when registering with a list.
This often includes instructions on how to unsubscribe, changing
from regular to digest mode, how to post, list rules, and a way to
contact the list moderator.
- When first joining an email list, either read the archived
posts or LURK on the list for a couple of days. Either way it
will give you a feel for the purposes, courtesies, and members of
the list. Read the list guidelines your moderator sends you
and follow them.
- Make your first post to the list be an introduction, but
keep it brief - your name, where you live and any pertinent
information that would help other list members know you. Some lists
consider it proper for members to welcome new members to the list,
lists that are rather large may discourage such unnecessary
postings.
- DON'T USE ALL CAPS !!!! In today's Internet all caps is considered
"SHOUTING." With the exception of genealogy lists where
only the surnames may be in all caps.
- When replying to a message include enough of the message you
are replying to that people can understand what you are reacting to.
But do not include the entire message. Just doing Reply will re-send
the entire old message along with your new message. Many people will
find this slows their downloads and may even costs them more money.
Unnecessary messages are also not proper, such as a "me
too" or "amen" reply.
- Don't just type and send but first read and re-read your
message. This helps you catch typos, catch phrases that may offend
someone, etc.
- Participate in the list, don't lurk for ever. Lists only
become helpful and interesting when we all participate.
- Whenever you reply to a post, send a copy to the member who
wrote it and to the list. Among other things this helps those who
only get the list in digest mode.
- Don't FLAME! Don't create, encourage, or prolong arguments
nor be a part of criticizing others. Of course we should state our
position which may be contrary to others' point of view but we don't
need to be nasty.
- Take significant problems with the list to your list's moderator.
Don't air dirty laundry on the list.
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