MAILING LISTS
Some mailing
lists can flood your mailbox with messages. Therefore, keep your subscription
e-groups and lists at a minimum, and reserve your computer-reading time for
information you really need and/or are interested in.
SUGGESTIONS: When you join a list, “lurk” for
a couple of days so that you can get a feel for what kind of questions are
asked, and what topics are off-limits. Don’t post to the list until you feel
comfortable.
See if there is
a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) or an Archive for the List.
Active members can get annoyed when they see repeated questions.
Most often, when
you sign up for a new group you will receive a “Welcome” from the listowner
with the group’s etiquette guidelines. If you don’t follow these rules, you
will probably be removed from the List.
Don’t use the
discussion as a vent for pent-up feelings and opinions. Stay focused on the
point. If a “thread” begins that you feel is out of place, don’t respond to it.
Responding will only perpetuate it.
If you are going
on vacation, or you are overwhelmed with schoolwork, temporarily unsubscribe or
suspend your mail until you have more time. Or, you can go on “Digest”. This
means all your messages from one group on one day are combine in one message.
Adjust the
Preferences in your e-mail program so that your response does not include
repeating the original message. And, if you post the same messages to more than
one group, insert an apology.
Be clear on the
difference between “Reply All” and “Reply”. If you are responding
with a message to the entire List click “Reply All” – if responding to the
author of the message only click “Reply”.