Top 7 "Unwritten" Rules Email Discussion List Members Should Follow

Consider the following tips as guidelines or rules that email discussion list members should follow after submitting to a list and when doing business on that list.

1. Follow the list rules at all times. If you're not sure whether your post will violate the rules, ask the moderator before you send it. This will forego any future problems you might have and will save you time in the long run.
   
   
2. Consult the list archives, if available, before posting a question. This is also a good way to become familiar with a list's acceptable topics. Regardless of your personal interest(s), your familiarity with a discussion list's targeted topics saves time.
   
   
3. Lurk and learn what's acceptable before posting to the list. Adhering to a list owner's rules makes it easier to establish successful relationships in the future.
   
   
4. Do not forward virus warnings and the like to a list unless it's devoted to that topic.
   
   
5. Do not forward copyrighted material to the list unless you have permission to do so.
   
   
6. Be courteous to other list members. If you disagree with them, fine, just don't resort to personal insults.
   
   
7. Keep posts to the list brief. If your post doesn't add value, don't send it. (Example: Don't send a "thanks" message to the list. Send that directly to the person it's intended for.