Participating
in electronic discussion groups is like belonging to clubs that share your same
interests. You can join listservs or Usenet groups on almost any topic.
Listservs
deliver messages to your email. Usenet groups are bulletin boards on the open
Web: you can just lurk or participate.
You will find a wealth of information in listservs and Usenet groups. That information
comes in many "colors" and "flavors." It is up to you to evaluate the relevance
of the articles posted!
There
is a "code" of proper behavior for communicating on the Internet. This is known
as Netiquette.
Don’t
post “me too” messages. It is not a survey. Post only if you have a contribution
to offer.
Think
before you post. Don't say anything you wouldn't say face to face.
Always
fill in your subject line in the E-Mail and keep the messages short.
Answer
individual requests individually.
If
you want to emphasize a word or a phrase, separate it by using an asterisk * *
at the beginning and end*.
If
you are replying to a previous posting, do not include the whole message. Quote
your references (from where you took the information or to what message you are
refering).
Insert
smileys to give emphasis to your words.
:-)
Happy Smiley
;-) Playful Smiley
:-(
Sad, sorry Smiley
:-O
Surprised Smiley
