OT: Bedlam & Netiquette

Jeff wrote::

:  I posted two messages to the list on April 26 suggesting possible sources
:   of LOS ANGELES based on information in my possession >>

and Anner added:

: That's odd. Neither were received here. I assume that the entity, who also is
:  AOL, may not have gotten them either. So, you see, even MORE someones :
helped!
:  I'm not at all surprized!

I received at least one of them -- probably both, although I didn't save them so
can't be sure.  I wouldn't clutter up the list with this news alone, but think I
should report that I have encountered similar problems on other lists.  In the
aftermath of the crash of  a major listserver by a massive spam from AOL, I've
learned more than I really wanted to know about the problems of AOL interface to
the internet in general and listservers in particular.  (Don't worry, I'm not
going to bore you with the details.)

The proverbial "bottom line":  From his/her alias "Bedlam" may was probably a
classic hoax.  So what?  The question about LOS ANGELES was a good one and the
responses were probably of interest to others on the list.  In case of doubt, I
think it's better to respond to a questionable query like this than to ignore a
legitimate newcomer.

But the important thing is that we have some valued AOL members on this list,
and we don't want to treat them differently just because AOL seems to the the
provider of choice for mischief-makers.  We all need to be aware of the
potential for problems in message delivery, whatever provider is involved.

So as one of the "old-timers', I have a few "netiquette" reminders that seem
appropriate to the occasion:

1.	Remember to sign messages with full name and e-mail address, at a
minimum.  Geographic location when it matters.  

2	Always CC the individual when you have an important question for an
individual that you'd like to have answered on the list.

3.	Use e-mail for personal messages.  Using the list-server is like sending
a copy of a letter to 300 people.  The intended recipient may not appreciate
having the news broadcast, and the others may may not appreciate their cluttered
mailboxes.

4.	Remember to change the subject header when you change subjects.  Not
everyone reads every message. 

Now, PLEASE!  Can we get back to the discussion of iris?

Sharon McAllister
73372.1745@compuserve.com
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