[NTLUG:Discuss] Mailing List Etiquette

[MadHat]

Because I have had a few people ask off list about what is and isn't
good, here are some suggestions.

Mailing List Etiquette FAQ (a little old, but still relevant)
http://www.gweep.ca/~edmonds/usenet/ml-etiquette.html

Synopsis:
-  No HTML (not everyone is using a client that supports it and it can
be very annoying)
-  Wrap lines, usually around 70chrs
-  don't cross post
-  Don't send attachments (post to a website and reference the URL, see
Yahoo! Geocities for free space)
-  Stay on topic (here we have Linux, yes it will stray sometimes, but
try to remember the common focus)


Add to that (from list-etiquette.com):

    *  Use common sense when posting. Be aware that you always have two
options: responding through the list or to a member personally. The
content of your message should determine which of these you choose.
    * Follow the list rules at all times. If you're not sure whether
your post will violate the rules, ask the moderator before you send it.
    * Lurk and learn what's acceptable before posting to the list.
    * Don't over-quote. Include only the specific information you're
responding to, and chop out the rest.
    * Keep posts to the list brief. If you're post doesn't add value,
don't send it. (Example: Don't send a "thanks" message through the list.
Send something like that directly to the person you're thanking.)
    * Be courteous to other list members. If you disagree with them,
fine, just don't resort to personal insults.
    * Consult the list archives, if available, before posting a
question. This is also a good way to become familiar with a list's
acceptable topics, etc.
    * Consult the list FAQ if there is one available.
    * Do not cross-post (send the same message to more than one list).
    * If you feel the need to flame, send hate mail, or otherwise
      reprimand another list member, do it off-list.
    * Do not forward virus warnings and the like to a list unless it's
devoted to that topic.
    * Do not subscribe to lists with an email address with an
autoresponder function. This includes "Out of Office Autoreply" and
other features. Doing this creates a large amount of wasted email, which
can be a significant burden on a publisher with a large email list.
    * Respect other people's opinions. If you disagree, do it politely.
    * Spell check and reread your messages before posting.
    * Do not blatantly promote yourself or otherwise spam the list.
Self-promotion should be kept to a brief signature file at the end of
your posts. Sig files shouldn't exceed 5-6 lines.
    * Do not forward copyrighted material to the list unless you have
permission to do so.
    * If you do use information not your own, give proper credit.
    * Do not send HTML, rich text, or stylized email, or messages in
"quoted-printable" format. Not all email programs of list members will
recognize such formats. Send messages in ASCII.


Thanks from your local List-Nazi ;^)

-- 
MadHat at Unspecific.com
"Anyone who understands Linux/Unix, really understands the universe.
 Anyone who understands Windows, really understands Windows."
          - Richard Thieme, DefCon 10, 2002