NEWSGROUP, MAILING LIST, AND FIDONET ECHOMAIL ETIQUETTE
 
1. STICK TO THE TOPIC.  If the newsgroup is dedicated to IBM computers,
don't talk about politics or the weather.  Stick to IBM computers.
 
2. DON'T INTRUDE.  If you are an adult and the newsgroup is intended for
elementary school students, refrain from making any comments except
perhaps to encourage or help the intended users.
 
3. DON'T RESPOND TO INAPPROPRIATE MESSAGES.  Leave the moderation to the
moderators.  If you see an inappropriate message, do not continue the
discussion in the newsgroup.  This will just compound the problems.
 
4. DON'T ENTER PERSONAL MESSAGES.  Nobody in Ontario or Sweden or
California wants to read about your luncheon arrangements.  Send email
instead.
 
5. USE REPLY, FOLLOWUP, AND CONTRIBUTE, APPROPRIATELY.  Reply on the
UMassK12 system will send an email message to the author of a newsgroup
article.  Followup will add an article with Re: and the previous subject
line.  Contribute will enter a new article.
 
6.  USE POSITIVE AND NON-ABUSIVE LANGUAGE.  Messages should not include
racist, sexist, religiously or culturally intolerant, or slanderous
language. The system is intended to encourage people to meet, learn
about each other, and make friends.  Flaming (creating or participating
in a verbal fight) and profanity are not acceptable, nor are messages
which encourage violence.
 
7.  USE USUAL TEXT FORMATS.  Formatted messages in a normal fashion with
the conventional spelling, use of words, and upper and lower case.
Creating blank screens or including control characters in messages to
create cute screen displays are in fact irritating to most readers.
Using cute keyboard symbols like "*&$#" doesn't hide the meaning of
inappropriate words.
 
8.  BE CAREFUL NOT TO RISK UNINVITED PERSONAL CONTACTS.  Posting home
addresses or phone number is not recommended.  Many schools prohibit the
open distribution of such information plus it is extremely unwise
because you never know who may show up at your home or send you
something you won't appreciate.  If you want to exchange regular
(written on paper) mail, use your school's address.