How A List Works
A mailing list allows people to send email to each other easily. Instead of sending mail to every email address on the list, subscribers send their email to ONE address; in this case it’s Yahoo Groups. Yahoo, in turn, sends the message out to everyone on the list, including the original sender.

With mailing lists, you have two subscription options. You can subscribe to the normal version, which means that every email that is sent to the list is sent to you immediately. Or you can subscribe to digest version, which means that you will be sent one email per day that contains all the messages sent during that day.

Guidelines For Proper List Usage
The Yahoo Groups List is not moderated or censored in any way, meaning that posts aren't held for approval, and I don't anticipate that being necessary. Remember why we have come together and the wonderful opportunities at our fingertips. Each experience will be as unique as the individual and gauged only by your own expectations, limitations, and level of participation.

In an effort to get the most from this list, and to avoid mailbox clutter, I ask that you try to adhere to the following guidelines.

DON'T quote an entire post, especially a long one. Edit out whatever is not needed. If you choose to reply in a general rather than a "point-by-point" manner, then please remember not to include the original message in your response. If you use an email system that does not allow editing when quoting, then please don't quote or at least take extra measures to type in what you are quoting. Messages are stored on the host server for archive and reference purposes, and take up a lot of space. Also, some list members archive the digests on their home systems, so this will save hard drive space for them as well.

DON'T post 'one liners' to the list. For example, if someone posts that they "just saw a great new movie", please don't reply to the list with "I saw it, too! It's cool!", etc. One-liners really should be sent privately to the original author.

DON'T post what should be personal responses to the list. By all means, feel free to respond to any posting you see; however, please reply to the list only if you think your comments will be of interest to other members. If you want to start a personal dialogue with the poster of a message, send your note directly to that person. Take extra care to ensure that you do not post a follow-up message accidentally, when your intention was merely to reply directly to the poster.

DON'T include our group address in any multiple addy emails. There are two reasons for this: first, this is a restricted, semi-private address for the list and, second, it prevents blocking or Yahoo account with "bounced" messages.

DON'T post messages in HTML format, and don't send attachments or a post AS an attachment. They cannot be archived or digested. Some list members prefer digest mode, and they will not receive anything sent as such. Please send ONLY plain text messages. (Actually I have turned this option OFF, so this is redundant.)

It's very important that we adhere to the above courtesies, and here's why: Some of us have email accounts with space or number restrictions. They, in particular, will be most grateful. Some of us receive our email at work, although I don't encourage this :-)

DO remember to sign your post.

DO remember to use the email addy you signed up with or your messages will bounce.

DO remember to change the subject line to correspond to that of the particular message being addressed when responding from a digest version.

DO use emoticons (smileys :-), etc.), in your emails to the list whenever necessary. Remember that the absence of visual clues normally associated with face-to-face communication provides an ideal environment for misunderstandings.

DO extend courtesy and respect in ALL interactions (on and off the list) with your fellow Listers. Be tolerant of our differences and our right to hold and express opinions. Otherwise, how can we ever hope to learn and grow from our experiences together?

DO include a descriptive subject line in your message to illustrate your main point and to assist in easy categorization for our archives, BUT keep them short as some email programs will only display the first 30 characters or so.

Other Issues
CHAIN LETTERS
If a chain letter contains a legitimate cause in which the Listers can make a difference, it will be welcomed on the list. Note, however, that it will be the responsibility of the person sending the letter to verify it's legitimacy BEFORE forwarding. This goes for VIRUS ALERTS also.

JOKES, OR " I THOUGHT YOU GUYS MIGHT LIKE THIS"
I like a funny joke as well as the rest of you, however, I don't want this list to become just a chain of forwards that were found on the WWW somewhere. PLEASE be selective when sending such messages, and when you do, remember NO attachments.

ADMIN ISSUES
Anytime you receive a message from me with the subject "Admin: please read", that means it is an administrative issue having to do with the LIST itself. They are important messages; one's that you should make sure you read.

This may seem like a lot of "Do's and Don'ts", however, this is just standard, and you will find the same guidelines on other lists as well. This is for the benefit of all. We all make mistakes and I'm sure we won't remember ALL of the time to follow these guidelines. I only ask that we TRY to follow them as closely as possible.

Thanks!
Myfanwy