When you join a listserv, you join a public discussion with hundreds of others.
As with any other gathering, you'll want to watch your manners and avoid any
gaffes. Tips for Newcomers
When
you first join a listserv, start by reading the postings for about a
week before contributing. This will give you an opportunity to see the
listserv's focus and culture. Also, listening in will help you avoid
sending redundant or unnecessary messages.
Save the welcome
message and directions that were e-mailed to you when you subscribed to
the listserv. These directions will be helpful for when you want to
leave the listserv, change your e-mail address or change your settings. Prohibited Postings
The following types of postings are prohibited on The Resource Center-administered
listservs:
- Messages that are political, partisan or could be considered lobbying
- Advertisements fo r fee-based services or products
- Chain letters
- Jokes
- Petitions
- Resumes
- Messages from individuals seeking employment
- Legal advice
Attachments
Attachments are not allowed on listserv postings. Attachments
can tie up the server and increase the risk of
spreading a virus. Before You Send a Message:
Ready to post a message to the listserv? Consider the following:
- Send only messages with substance. The other readers are probably
not interested in hearing you say "Thanks" or "I agree" to a previous
posting.
- Keep the subject matter in line with the list's purpose.
- Use a subject line that appropriately describes your message's content.
- When responding to a message, delete the unnecessary portions from
the initial posting to keep the messages short and to the point. Change
the subject line if it is no longer relevant.
- Wait to fill in the e-mail address to the end so you are sure to send it to the appropriate listserv or person.
- Proofread and spell check your message before hitting the send button.
- Do not make negative or personal comments on a listserv. This is
called "flaming." Also, do not respond to negative or personal comments.
Copyright
Copyrighted information, including newspaper articles, should not be
posted to the listserv if the copyright owner has not consented to the
posting.
If permission has been given to post coyrighted
materials, the permission should be stated in the post. For example,
"This article has been reprinted with permission from The New York Times."
Rather than post copyrighted information, provide a brief description and a website link to the information or article. |
