eForum Etiquette, Tips, and Tricks

Replying to Messages

Remember that when you reply to a message, your response is sent to everyone on the list. Do not use the Reply button unless your message is an informative response to someone's question from which everyone can learn.

If your reply is simply a request to receive a copy of what someone has offered to share, to thank someone, or simply to agree with someone (such as: "Me, too"), please do not reply to the entire group. Instead, send your response directly to the e-mail address of the person who posted the message. In most cases, that person's e-mail address is also listed in the heading.

Some e-mail services behave differently and "hide" the sender's e-mail, so it's a good idea to sign your messages with your full contact information, so someone replying can cut and paste your address if they want to respond to you directly.

Original Posts

When you post a question, use a concise explanatory title in the subject line.

If you must post a long message, warn the other subscribers with a flag in the subject line, for example: "[Long]."

Autosignature

As suggested above, include a full "autosignature" block at the bottom of the messages you post, so that other subscribers will know who you are and how to reach you directly.

Promotional Language

Do not send unsolicited "commercial" and/or self-promotional postings to the list.

Legal

Do not post any defamatory, abusive, profane, threatening, offensive or illegal materials.

Do not post any information or other material protected by copyright without the permission of the copyright owner.

Do not post any material regarding specific prices or fees charged or paid, nor should there be any discussion of salaries, profit margins, or anything encouraging the selection or rejection of customers or suppliers.

This list is provided as a service of the BCA. The BCA accepts no responsibility for the opinions and information posted on this site by others. The BCA reserves the right to terminate access to any user who does not abide by these guidelines.

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