Hello fellow listers -- I have done some tinkering with the list guidelines recently. They are mostly the same as before but I have changed the wording and added a couple of new ones. They will be going on the list web site sometime today. As for the French and German versions of the guidelines, they will have to stay as they are for the time being -- unless SKS (ie. some kind soul) wants to volunteer to change those translations as well <g>. Please let me know if you have comments about any of the guidelines (off-list, please!) Andrea LIST GUIDELINES: 1. SURNAMES should be written in capital letters, both in the subject line and in the actual messages. Reason: This makes SURNAMES more noticeable and lets others know quickly if any names in your message are of interest to them. 2. Dates and locations (including the country) should be included in your postings. Reason: This makes it clear to others what area and time period you are interested in. Including the country is helpful for those who are unfamiliar with your geographical research area. 3. The subject line of your posting must match the content of your message. For example, include a SURNAME and/or topic, and/or a location and/or a time frame. It's also important to change the subject line, if appropriate, when replying to previous messages. (See guidelines #5 & #6 about replying). Reason: It is frustrating for others to discover that subject line and message content do not match. This is true both on the list and when searching the list archives. Also, some listers who may be interested in your message may delete it, without reading it, because the subject line is irrelevent to them. 4. Messages sent to the list should be written in plain text only (ie. no HTML, fancy fonts or colours) and should have no attachments. Reason: Rootsweb has filters to block messages which are not written in plain text or which have attachments. It will reject that message and not send it to the list. 5. When replying to previous posts by others, subscribers are encouraged to reply on the list if they have information which they think would be helpful for others as well. However, when doing so, it's important to delete most or all of that previous post in your reply. Reason: Posting replies on the list contributes to discussion between subscribers. Deleting previously posted material eliminates duplication of information, both on the list and in the list archives. 6. When you reply to a previous post from another subscriber, a short summary or <snip> of the previous message placed at the beginning of your reply lets others know who/what you are replying to. Reason: This lets others know immediately what you are talking about. It reminds others of the previous post and brings new subscribers into the discussion without having to wonder what it's all about. 7. Personal messages (such as a thank-you meant for only one person) or messages which have no genealogical content (such as a holiday greeting) are not appropriate as posts to the list. They are best sent privately to individuals, off-list. Reason: This is a mailing list meant for genealogical discussion. 8. Keep re-posting your surname interests frequently -- about once a month or more often if you learn new information. Try not to be discouraged if you receive no replies but keep trying. When you re-post, try a new subject line or rephrase the content of your message. Reason: Re-posting is *not* unnecessary repetition. In fact, Rootsweb recommends this practice on all its lists. It reminds others what your research is about. It also will be new information to those who've just subscribed to the list. 9. Become aware of copyright laws as they pertain to sharing or passing on of information on this mailing list or elsewhere on the Internet. For example, before quoting large portions of a published text, obtain copyright permission from the publisher. Similarly, if you would like to forward a list post to another source (eg. another list) please obtain permission first from the person who originally composed that message. Reason: Protect yourself from infringing copyright laws. 10. Subscribers are expected to treat everyone else on the list with respect and courtesy. Harrassment and/or verbal attacks of any kind, for any reason, will not be tolerated. Should any of these situations occur, the list administrator will take action to stop it. This may include unsubscribing offenders from the list. Reason: Your fellow subscribers are entitled to the same respect and courtesy which you show to people face-to-face in daily life. For more information on this subject, please see: Harrassment and/or Verbal Attacks(On and Off-List): -- What You Can Do. END