The gayIndy eList--serving GLBT Indy since 1995!

Some Tips & Netiquette for the gayIndy e-List

1. Carefully consider whether a reply should go to the list or to an individual. If your post is relevant only to one member of the list, please contact that person using private e-mail.
   
   
2. Use only one topic per message.
   
   
3. Be thoughtful when posting information from other listservs as many of us are on several of these. Instead of just forwarding, a note about why you found the article informative is generally appreciated.
   
   
4. This listserv is confidential. Do not forward or share others' posts or e-mail addresses without permission. Likewise, private solicitations, spamming, cruising, or other inappropriate use of members' e-mail addresses and will get you booted from the list.
   
   
5. Remember, when you forward an e-mail to the list, you may be sharing the e-mail address(es) of whomever sent that particular e-mail to you. Please take the time to remove all e-mail addresses except your own from forwarded e-mails. Likewise, if you "copy in" a non-list member on your post, make sure you use the Blind Copy (bcc) option in your e-mail so that those e-mail addresses are not visible to list members.
   
   
6. When responding to a message, don't quote back the entire message. Delete the excess and make your comments at the very top before starting the quotes. "Cleaning up" of symbols and line breaks put in by e-mail programs is appreciated.
   
   
7. Avoid "Me, too" and "I agree" messages. We really are interested in reading what you can add to the discussion.
   
   
8. DON'T TYPE IN ALL CAPS. This is perceived as shouting.
   
   
9. Be careful with humor and sarcasm, writing is not the same as conversation and can be misinterpreted. Use emoticons (also known as "smileys") when trying to convey a tone of voice :-)
   
   
10. Consider carefully what you write; it's a permanent record and can be easily forwarded to others.
    
    
11. Write succinctly and to the point.
    
    
12. Don't forward jokes, virus alerts (most of which are hoaxes), or any e-mails that say "please forward this to everyone in your address book."
    
    
13. When forwarding messages, put your comments at the top of the message.
    
    
14. Don't overuse acronyms like BTW (by the way) or IMHO (in my humble opinion). Not everyone is experienced with this jargon and they may not want to admit their confusion - possibly losing your point.
    
    
15. Do not forward personal e-mail to a discussion group without getting the author's permission first.
    
    
16. Read over your e-mail before you send it. Use a spell checker if available.