The following are a list of rules and commonly used terms:

Rules

  1. We maintain a "list archive" that shows the history of the list. If you scan the archives before posting a question, you may find your answer right there.  List archives also give you an overall feel for the topics covered on the list.

  2. Don't email the list to get off of it.  Instructions for how to unsubscribe are at the bottom of every post.  If that doesn't work, contact the appropriate list manager for help:  iland-friends-owner@iland.net, iland-users-owner@iland.net, or iland-users-owner@iland.net.

  3. Do not send PRIVATE emails or responses to the list.

  4. If you change the topic being discussed, please change the subject of your email accordingly.

  5. Be courteous of your fellow list members. Not everyone has a clue all the time, about everything, so be gentle in your communications.

  6. Avoid posts that just say "Me too", unless that somehow adds value to the discussion.

  7. Back up your statements. If you are going to make a statement that is on 'the edge', please back it up with facts that support your statement.

  8. DO NOT spam the list with your advertising message. You will be banned from the list if you do so.

  9. Keep SIG (signature) lines 5/6 lines or less.

  10. Trim your Reply to a post. Just quote the relevant part of the previous post or thread, and get rid of the rest.

  11. Keep your posts positive.  If you have negative comments, please support them with facts.

  12. Do not forward copyrighted material or information you do not have permission to forward, through the list.

  13. Do not use vulgar or offensive language on this list.  Given that this is a "users helping users" list, rude language should not be necessary.

  14. If you quote another person's work or website, make sure you give proper credit to the work's author.

  15. Think before posting. Once you click on SEND, it WILL be distributed through the rest of the list.

  16. ASCII text is the standard.  Please don't send HTML emails or enriched/stylized/enhanced text emails through the list.  Emails sent in those formats look like garbage in many email readers.

  17. Access to the list is intended for I-Land customers only.  Misuse or abuse of the list, including not following the above rules of use, may result in temporary or permanent banning from the list and/or cancellation of I-Land service.

  18. If you have a complaint about the list or a particular posting or user that is abusing the list, please address it to the appropriate list-manager at iland-friends-owner@iland.net, iland-users-owner@iland.net, or iland-users-owner@iland.net.

Commonly Used Terms

Archives: A web based copy of every Email that has been posted through a list.

Banned: To be excluded from a list and not allowed to rejoin or participate.

Footer: The bottom of each post. This is appended on the bottom of each email sent through a list automatically by the list server.

Lurk: To "listen" on the list for a while before you participate.

Newbie: A new or unknowledgeable Internet user.

On-Topic: Means to keep your post in line with the intended purpose of the list.

Post: To "post" means to send an email to the list.

SHOUTING: When you email in ALL CAPS, that is considered YELLING!