- If the FAQ doesn't answer your question, go ahead and post. But, if you still suspect that it's a request for some fairly basic information, ask that responses be sent to you by email. That way, you're not responsible for discussion group readers having to wade through screens full of identical answers.
- Use descriptive and specific
subject lines. This helps others decide
whether your particular words of wisdom relate to a topic they care
about.
- Try not to post comments that don't add anything to the discussion. When you're just cruising through a thread in a leisurely manner, it's not too annoying to read through a lot of "hear, hear"'s and "I agree"'s. But if you're actually trying to find information, it's a pain in the neck. So save those one-word responses for threads that have degenerated to the point where none but true aficionados are following them any more.
- If your posting is only of interest to a specific geographic area, try to limit the distribution to that area. I live in California; even if I wanted to, I couldn't easily adopt a cat that lives in Boston.
- Post messages to the appropriate discussion group. It may seem obvious, but don't post stories or questions about fighter planes to a newsgroup for gardeners. If you're in doubt, it's always OK to ask -- but ask briefly. I once read a long (and apparently sincere) posting in a discussion group for feminists from a guy who was looking for tips on how to meet women. He did have the sense to acknowledge that this might not be the best place to start his search. But he should have stopped there and asked for confirmation and suggestions for other groups to ask.
- Try not to post comments that don't add anything to the discussion. When you're just cruising through a thread in a leisurely manner, it's not too annoying to read through a lot of "hear, hear"'s and "I agree"'s. But if you're actually trying to find information, it's a pain in the neck. So save those one-word responses for threads that have degenerated to the point where none but true aficionados are following them any more.
Things never to post to a discussion group
- Requests to have your name added to a
mailing list. There is
always a separate email address for such requests; for Internet
and BITNET lists, it usually starts with "LISTSERV" or
"listname-request." Find it and use it.
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