Use common sense when posting. Be aware that you always have two options: responding through the list or to a member personally. The content of your message should determine which of these you choose.

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.

Lurk and learn what's acceptable before posting to the list.

Don't over-quote. Include only the specific information you're responding to, and chop out the rest.

Keep posts to the list brief. If you're post doesn't add value, don't send it. (Example: Don't send a "thanks" message through the list. Send something like that directly to the person you're thanking.)

Be courteous to other list members. If you disagree with them, fine, just don't resort to personal insults.

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, etc.

If you feel the need to flame, send hate mail, or otherwise reprimand another list member, do it off-list.

Do not forward virus warnings and the like to a list.

Respect other people's opinions. If you disagree, do it politely.

Spell check and reread your messages before posting.

Do not blatantly promote yourself or otherwise spam the list. Self-promotion should be kept to a brief signature file at the end of your posts. Sig files shouldn't exceed 5-6 lines. Sigs should be separated from the body of the message with a '-- ' (dash dash space).

Do not forward copyrighted material to the list unless you have permission to do so.

If you do use information not your own, give proper credit.