List Communication


There are certain rules of "Netiquette" that govern the Internet and online discussion groups. Here is an abbreviated list of these rules to keep in mind when communicating via the Web:

1. Please make a practice of adding your e-mail address at the end of each message you send. (Most e-mail software can be set to do this automatically each time you send a message). This allows list members to easily send a separate e-mail to only that one person, when desired. Don't hit reply - create a new e-mail message using that one person's address.

2. Keep in mind that when you reply to an online discussion group message, EVERYONE on the list gets your message.

3. The "thank you", "well put", and "send me one too" kinds of messages should be sent off-list to the single person you’re addressing.

4. If you are on “digest” - remember that when you hit "reply," the complete digest of messages is included in your reply (it could be several pages long). So before sending - delete those parts of the digest not relevant to your reply, as a courtesy to the readers.

5. Use a meaningful subject line so that your readers will have a clear idea of what your message contains.

6. Use all CAPS sparingly. Capitalize words only to highlight an important point or to distinguish a title or heading. Capitalizing whole words that are not titles is generally seen as SHOUTING on online discussion groups.

7. Don't forward messages without asking first. It is considered extremely impolite to forward someone else's e-mail without their permission.

8. Don't share copyrighted materials without permission of the copyright owner. Not everything on the Internet is "fair use." You, and also the Alliance, are liable for any copyright infringement you make. However, posting links/URLs is perfectly acceptable.

9. Due to the large amounts of e-mail received by list members, please be considerate and never send or forward jokes (unless they’re on topic), email hoaxes, chain letters, advertisements, forms of e-mail “spam,” or other similar items to the online discussion group

If you have any questions, please contact the Severson Center at severson@alliance1.org


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