[Coco] Advice for email list members and how they should post on any email list.

[Duane Adrian]

*Courtesy Guidelines*

   -
   - Always remember that you are interacting with people so be mindful of
   what you write; never write anything you would not say to someone directly.
   Never use a list for personal attacks or profanity; if you would not say it
   in a crowded room for all to hear, do not write it in a message.
   - Write only public (never private) messages; lists are a public forum,
   personal comments or criticisms should be sent directly to the person, not
   the entire list.
   - When you are replying to a list message be sure to note to whom you
   are replying; lists are often set up to reply to the list. If your reply is
   not of interest to everyone on the list change the TO: address to the
   person to whom your reply is directed.
   - Sign your posting including brief contact information. You can use the
   signature that you have set up in your mail client or simply type in the
   information at the end of your note.
   - List owners should be very careful about involuntary subscriptions.
   People do not like to be subscribed to a list without their consent
   (exceptions are class lists and work group lists where subscription is a
   requirement of the job).

*Content Guidelines*

   - Stick to the purpose of the list; the more topic-specific the
   contributions are, the more useful the list is for everyone.
   - Make the subject line descriptive; 'change in meeting location' is
   more useful than 'hello'.
   - Be brief, professional, clear, and logical.
   - Avoid me too-isms. If a department admin needs a head count for an
   event send your reply to the admin, not to the whole list. If you are
   writing the original message include the name and contact information for
   the person to whom the response should be sent.
   - Avoid using humor or making political comments.
   - Don't send chain letters, spam, flames (an abusive message about
   another person), or solicitations.

*Format Guidelines*

   - The less formatting the better; many different email clients will be
   used to read the messages. Some of those could be plain text email readers
   that cannot handle fancy formatting. Plain text is always best, avoid
   including graphics, charts, and images.
   - Do not type the whole message in caps, it's the equivalent of shouting.
   - Always proof read and edit your message before you press the send
   button. Poor spelling, grammar, and punctuation are unprofessional, and do
   not speak well of the sender.
   - Check with the list owner if attachments are allowed before sending
   one.
   - Edit the original message in your replies; leave a few lines to recall
   the topic you are addressing, but not the entire previous message(s).
   - When forwarding a message to the list take out the original header
   information; if it's included it can cause a delivery error.
   - Sign off a list when you leave the group that uses the list. An owner
   should delete the list when it is no longer used.