netiquette

Need for netiquette on genealogy mailing lists | Published April 8th, 2008: "A few weeks ago, I was shocked by rude comments posted to a genealogy mailing list. The person making the comments was a long-time member and active on the list. I guess this was why it was surprising - they should have known better.

Although each mailing list has an administrator who can step in to stop a discussion or point out what can and cannot be posted, they are not on the Internet 24 hours a day. They are researchers like you and me and have a life.

After hitting the send button, there is no net to catch an inappropriate email message. It is sent to everyone on the list whether you want it to or not. Because of this ‘no return policy,' mailing lists are the perfect places to practice email etiquette, also known as netiquette.

One of the first lessons we learn in the world is to mind our manners. When writing a message, use the words ‘please' and ‘thank you.' They will take you a long way in the genealogy world and may even invite someone to help you break down a brick wall. . . ."

meanwhile on usenet . . . . many rude words and heated exchanges