[NTLUG:Discuss] Re: O'Reilly Discussion Guidelines

[Bryan J. Smith]

On Wed, 2004-09-08 at 18:32, lee wrote:
> bryan - can you provide a url which details these discussion guidelines?

First off, I'm not big on list ettique, other than avoiding politics
(the only thing I complain about ettique-wise).  I find it's a stick
that some people like to apply to others, but not themselves.  I.e., the
people who complain the most are typically also in the 5% of those who
cause a lot on their own (I know I'm in this 5%, so I don't complain).

Secondly and unfortunately, I have not seen them posted for some time.  
They used to be posted in UseNet FAQs regularly.  They were a set of
guidelines adopted for UseNet, which are very applicable to mailing
lists.  Today with Google.COM and mailing list archives that thread like
UseNet does, they are still quite good.

And yes, it was Tim.  I'd have to check, but I believe he refers to it
in a couple of the O'Reilly series of books -- older Editions (late
'80s, early '90s) -- with regards to Internet discussions.  Been a bit.

Anyhoo, the general guidelines are:  

- Bottom-post by default, top-post sparingly

- Cut out portions of a post that are not addressed/needed

- Reply _only_ when responding in a thread, for ID tracking

- Modify the subject so follow-ups are easily browsed
  NOTE 1:  UseNet/e-Mail ID tracking threads properly
  NOTE 2:  I try to modify the end, because most Windows readers
           are _not_ good at threading and only sort on subject

- Rename the subject and use the "WAS:" at the end when the subject
  matter changes into a new thread topic/tangent

And several others.

Again, not a big deal.  But if you wonder why I post the way I do, they
are covered by these concepts.  I've been posting on Internet UseNet and
lists for almost 16 years now.

Frankly, when people complain about one way, I'd only see others
complain if I followed their suggestions.  E.g., if I didn't use the
"WAS:", people would complain I was taking a thread off-topic.

Arguing over net-ettique is just an excuse to complain about someone,
when you are really upset for other reasons.  Just be honest with
yourself and complain.  E.g., if you think I post too much about things
you don't want to hear about, just say it.  Don't candy-coat it.  ;-ppp


-- 
Bryan J. Smith                                  b.j.smith at ieee.org 
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