0. Introduction (rec.arts.sf.written)
Description
This article is from the rec.arts.sf.written FAQ, by Evelyn C. Leeper evelynleeper@geocities.com with numerous contributions by others.
0. Introduction (rec.arts.sf.written)
rec.arts.sf.written is a newsgroup devoted to discussions of written
SF. It is a high-volume newsgroup and this article is intended to help
reduce the number of unnecessary postings, thereby making it more
useful and enjoyable to everyone.
"SF" as used here means "speculative fiction" and includes science
fiction, fantasy, horror (a.k.a. dark fantasy), etc.
If you have not already done so, please read the articles in
news.announce.newusers. They contain a great deal of useful
information about network etiquette and convention.
If you have any bibliographic or similar questions, please try the
Internet Speculative Fiction Database at
http://www.sfsite.com/isfdb/index.html.
Before we begin, two pieces of net.etiquette. Both of these are
mentioned in news.announce.newusers, but since they are so frequently
violated, and at least one of them is particularly relevant to this
group, we mention them here:
SPOILER WARNINGS: Many people feel that much of the enjoyment of a book
is ruined if they know certain things about it, especially when those
things are surprise endings or mysteries. On the other hand, they also
want to know whether or not a book is worth reading, or they may be
following a particular thread of conversation where such information may
be revealed. The solution to this is to put the words SPOILER in your
header, or in the text of your posting. You can also put a ctl-L
character in the *first* column for your readers who are using rn. Some
people think that spoiler warnings are not necessary. We don't understand
why, and do not want to discuss it. Use your best judgment.
Some people say that since not all news readers honor the ctl-L, you should
insert twenty or so blank lines as well. My personal opinion is that I hate
having to page through those blank lines because some people's newsreaders
are antiquated, but it's up to you.
REPLIES TO REQUESTS AND QUESTIONS: When you think that many people will
know an answer to a question, or will have an answer to a request,
RESPOND VIA E-MAIL!!! And if you don't know the answer, but want to
know, DON'T POST TO THE NET asking for the answer, ask VIA E-MAIL! If
you think a lot of people will want the same information, you might
suggest that the person summarize to the net.
Please keep in mind two points:
1. Always remember that there is a live human being at the
other end of the wires. In other words, please write your
replies with the same courtesy you would use in talking to
someone face-to-face.
2. Try to recognize humor and irony in postings. Tone of
voice does not carry in ASCII print, and postings are often
snapped off quickly, so that humorous intent may not be
obvious. More destructive and vicious arguments have been
caused by this one fact of net existence than any other. It
will help if satiric/ironic/humorous comments are marked with
the "smiley face," :-)
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