ETIQUETTE ON THE NET-QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Q.  What does the term "netiquette" mean?

A.  "Netiquette" means being polite and considerate of others on the
Internet.  If you follow the basic rules of polite interaction with others,
your time on the Internet will be a happy one for you and those you come in
contact with.

Q.  I want to post an article stating my opinions about gun control.  Is it
okay to post my article in any discussion group or mailing list that I want
to?

A.  No.  Please confine your postings to lists that deal with your topic of
interest.  An article on gun control would not be appropriate in, say, a list
that discusses classical music.  The folks who subscribe to the classical
music forum will appreciate your thoughtfulness and consideration if you do
not post to their list.

Q.  Is it okay if I attack someone personally if I don't like something
they've posted?

A.  No.  Making a personal attack on someone (called "flaming"-making a
posting that is violently argumentative) is discouraged.  Disagreements, of
course, are fine, but please limit your responses to a discussion of the
topic and avoid attacks upon the individual him/herself.  Continued flaming
usually results in a load of email complaints to your Postmaster about you.

Q.  I'm new to the Internet and don't really know how to get around.  Where
should I go for help?

A.  Zen and the Art of the Internet--the searchable online version of the book by
Brendan Kehoe.  Please take the time to read this! Mr. Kehoe does an
excellent job of explaining the nuances of "netiquette", as well as the
mechanics of the Internet itself.


Q.  I'd like to learn more about the Internet offline.  Are there any books
about the Internet?

A.  Yes.  Two that we recommend are "The Whole Internet" by Ed Krol, and
"!%@::  A Directory of Electronic Mail Addresses" by Frey & Adams; both are
published by O'Reilly & Associates.

Although we've only listed two, there are dozens of good books about the
Internet; we encourage you to visit your local bookstore or library and check
them out.   Remember, knowledge is power