Nettiquette and this List Hi Everyone, This is a semi-regular reminder, posted to this list, in the hope that it may make life easier for all. Firstly, this list works on the principle that the free and open exchange of information can only make it a better place for us all to carry out our research. REPLIES TO LIST This list is set so that replies go, by default, back to the list, and not the person who posted (unless they have an over-ride set). This means more information is shared with the whole list. However, as some people actually pay for their internet use by download, it would really be appreciated if people are just returning messages with comments like "Thanks Fred" at the top, that they would do so personally, off-list, to the person concerned. You should be able to find their e-mail address on the post to cut and paste it into the address section of your reply. CUTTING OLD MESSAGES It is really important in list-life to cut all unnecessary sections out of old messages before replying to the list. This especially applies to the footers used, and the endless additions sometimes recycled time and time again on the bottom of messages. To do this, you just highlight the unwanted text and hit your delete button. This is important not only for those who pay by downloads, but also those who are on the Digest form of the list, where sometimes you need a cut lunch and a compass to find your way around in the mire of all the repeated messages. Digest readers really love the posters who cut the old messages. OFF TOPIC POSTS To avoid duplication, and to keep the list on topic, posts should be about or directly relevant to the region of Western NSW. Posts of a more general nature (including information about websites not related to Western NSW), should be directed to the more general lists eg AUS-NSW and GENANZ. Listers wishing to receive such general posts are also encouraged to subscribe to the lists. If in doubt about the relevance of a post, the list-admin can be consulted offlist at AUS-NSW-WEST-admin@rootsweb.com SUBJECT HEADINGS Having a relevant subject heading really maximises your chances of catching the attention of those who often do not even open a message unless they know it applies to them. Try and include a surname and a place if appropriate, rather than headings such as "Family History" VIRUS WARNINGS We have been pretty good about this recently, but please keep in the back of your mind that virus warnings and discussion are off-topic, and are not to be posted to the list. While I appreciate they are sent with the best of intentions, often we do not know as much as we think we do, and can end up causing more harm than good. CROSS POSTING Please do not cross post (ie send the same message to this list and another list at the same time) unless there is very definite material specifically about the list area in the post. Apologising about it (and off topic posts) in advance, as you do it, does not make it okay. It just means you know you should not do it, but are going to do it anyway. Thanks for reading to the bottom. The good will of people on the list is appreciated, and your willingness to assist others and keep the list as happy a place as possible for them is much appreciated. Linda List-admin AUS-NSW-WEST e-mail: kapana@netspace.net.au