[NLRS] NLRS Reflector Guidelines - long but required reading!

[Bud Patten]

Hi Gang,
As we approach the end of the year I just thought I'd post the reflector
guidelines so that everyone can get up to speed regarding the proper
etiquette on our reflector.

Seasons Greeting to all,

Bud
w0lcp
NLRS Reflector Admin.


                    The QTH.NET List Member's Guide to Email List Guidelines
and Behavior

The following guidelines are presented here to help you become a good
net-citizen. Each list here has it's own set of rules so what is acceptable
behavior on one list, may not be on another. However, if you follow the
below guidelines for all lists, you shouldn't have any problems. If you have
any doubt that what you are going to posts is acceptable, ask the list
administrator first.

Save the welcome message you get when registering with a list. This often
includes instructions on how to un subscribe, changing from regular to
digest mode, how to post, list rules, and a way to contact the list
moderator.

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 or chain letters to a list.

Do not subscribe to lists with an email address with an auto responder
function. This includes "Out of Office Auto reply" 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 1-2 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.

DON'T USE ALL CAPS !!!! In today's Internet all caps is considered
"SHOUTING." With the exception of genealogy lists where only the surnames
may be in all caps.

Stay on topic. There are hundreds of lists here, each having it's own
subject matter. Find the list that's appropriate for your discussion.

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.

Do not send attachments (attached files) of any sort to mailing lists. This
includes URL shortcuts, v-cards, GEDCOM files, zipped files, or any other
type of attachment not mentioned here.