2.4 Are there guidelines for posting?
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This article is from the Dance FAQ, by eijkhout@jacobi.math.ucla.edu (Victor Eijkhout) with numerous contributions by others.
2.4 Are there guidelines for posting?
Not really. If you think you have something interesting to say, just
post it. That said, here are some common sense do and don'ts. The
following is excerpted from an article in Country Calendar.
1.) If you are new to a mail list or newsgroup and see a large number
of messages that you just have to answer, it may be better to only
answer a couple of them at first. As in any form of communication, when
you are "the new kid on the block," it is usually better to ease into a
group discussion rather than jump in and monopolize the floor. Keep in
mind that everything sent to the cw-dance mail list is gatewayed to
rec.arts.dance so there are literally thousands of people reading these
messages each day. Make sure that what you have to say would be of
interest to a large percentage of the readers.
2.) If you are posting a new message, make sure that the subject line
is short but specific. For example, "C/W Dance" is too vague, but "C/W
Two Step Question" lets the reader know what the content of the message
will be.
3.) When responding to a message, only quote that part of the message
that is relevant to your response. Delete any unnecessary text but make
sure that it is clear to whose message you are responding and what the
context is. In other words, quote at least part of the previous message
so that your response can be understood by everyone. Also, if you are
going off on a tangent from the original subject line, change the
subject line so that it directly relates to your response.
4.) Since this is a written form of communication, spelling and
grammar do make a difference in how your message is received and
perceived. Re-read your message at least once, preferably twice, before
hitting the send button. Check for spelling errors and typos and make
sure that your message makes sense. Also, foul language and
"four-letter words" are a big no-no online.
5.) DO NOT USE ALL CAPS. This is the equivalent of shouting and is
hard on the eyes. It's also considered very rude.
6.) Here are some formatting tips: if you are using a word processor
with automatic wrap, be aware that your post may look hideous on the
screen of someone who has different software. Keep the length of your
lines to 72 characters or less, which means you may have to hit the
return key yourself. Also, leave a blank line every once in a while;
this makes a long message much easier to read.
7.) Remember that people use many different types of computers. Do not
use characters formed by the ALT key (PC) or Option key (Mac); stick
with regular letters and numbers only. Also, do not post pictures or
sound files and do not use MIME encoding for posts.
8.) If someone posts something that really makes you mad, it is a good
idea to wait a day or two before responding. Do not make the mistake of
responding to something in anger only to regret posting it the next
day.
9.) If someone sends you a message via private e-mail, do not quote
their message to the entire newsgroup or mail list unless you have
their permission.
10.) The newsgroups and mail lists are not for commercial use. If you
have something to market, be discreet about it. Post once, advertising
your existence and include an e-mail address or Web site where people
can obtain further information.
11.)Here are some examples of when it is NOT appropriate to respond to
a message:
Do not quote an entire message and at the bottom put something like,
"I agree" or "Me, too." If you want to let someone know that you agree
with their point, send them a private e-mail rather than posting to the
entire group. In other words, if you do not have something significant
to contribute to the discussion, it is better to keep quiet.
If someone asks for information that is common knowledge (e.g., who
sang this song?), check if it has already been answered before you send
off your reply. Even then, consider sending your response by private
e-mail instead of posting to the whole group or list.
If you see a completely off-topic message (money making opportunity,
phone sex, etc.) do not respond. The person posting is mostly likely
not checking for answers, and their address is likely forged. Just
ignore messages like that.
These "netiquette rules" are far from complete, but they may be of
some help as you navigate your way on the Information Super-Dance
Floor. I must admit that I have broken some of these rules myself, but
mistakes are okay, especially if we learn from them. [Ann Detsch
detsch@uclink4.berkeley.edu ]
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