[nagdu] list rules

[Marsha Drenth]

> all, 
> 
> Its been a while, with new members, and I having to remind listers of rules entirely too much. So just so that everyone is aware of what they are, Please do read! If you have any questions, or comments about the following, your welcome to email me OFFLIST! 
> 
> NAGDU list rules
>> 
>> NAGDU email list rules: 
>> 
>> * Be nice to others * 
>> 
>> Being nice includes: 
>> 
>> 1. Using a courteous and respectful tone and language.   
>> If in doubt, don't post it.  
>> Please feel free to disagree with any idea, concept or topic, but disagreement does not preclude manners. 
>> In Short, no flaming. 
>> This list is publicly archived and may be read by minors.  
>> 
>> 2. Being respectful of others' time by staying on topic.  
>> The main topic of the list is guide dogs.  
>> Occasional discussions of general blindness issues or other types of service animals are acceptable.  
>> Also, there will be posts on NFB initiatives and related announcements.  
>> NAGDU is a division of the NFB.  
>> 
>> 3. Any announcement for any sales, collection, donation or other exchange of goods or service not directly related to NFB or NAGDU is not allowed. 
>> Guide dog related Product recommendations in which you do not receive direct financial compensation are completely acceptable and appreciated. 
>> If there is a direct question about a product or service that you provide, you are free to respond with your sales information to that specific question.     
>> It is perfectly acceptable to have a link to your product web site in your signature line.   
>> 
>> Examples of acceptable discussion of goods or services: 
>> * announcements of NFB affiliate, chapter and division fundraisers
>> * answering questions regarding guide dog related goods and services you provide 
>> * discussion of a product you have used
>> 
>> Examples of inappropriate goods and services posts:
>> * advertisements for any product or service you provide not prompted by a specific question from another list member
>> * advertisements having to do with goods or services unrelated to guide dogs
>> 
>> 4. No discussion of any sort of criminal activities.  
>> 
>> 5. Every effort should be made to provide accurate and up to date information about laws regarding guide dogs.  Please be prepared to provide the specific law you are referencing in the discussion.
> 6. 5 posts per day per list member. Messages that are one word one line count into this total. We understand that members slip up and forget about the limit, but this is not an exception that will be allowed every day. If you want to say something directly to another member, email them privately. For messages that are on topic, that follow the current thread and subject, exceptions will be allowed for this. This rule is not meant to squash conversation, sharing, or posting, but to cut down on the amount of unnecessary posts. Members can write one large message, reflecting this in their subject line, responding to multiple posts in one. 
>> 7. All posts should be of substance and add to the discussion.  Please refrain from post like, "I agree" or "me too" or Thank you" or "Please email me off list.". 
>> If the message is one word or only one line, please send the message directly to the person to which you would like to respond.  
>> Also please refrain from posting an inordinate amount of email to the list.  This list can be high volume at times.  
>> Please respect the time of others on the list. 
>> If you need help learning how to reply to list members directly, please ask someone. 
>> There are plenty of list members who use various email programs and who can give you instructions. 
>> 
>> 8.  If a topic changes within a thread, please remember to change the subject line of the message. 
>> This will keep those who are looking for specific messages from reading everything.  
>> 
>> Continued violation of the rules after being warned will result in removal from the list. 
>> 
>> Those are all the rules.   
>> Below are things that would be appreciated, but are not mandatory:
>> 
>> 1. Trim your posts.  
>> This means to remove all that header info from a forwarded message or the 13 previous messages in the thread to which you are replying.  
>> It's just courtesy.  
>> 
>> 2. If you are posting pictures, please include descriptions of them.  
>> The majority of list members cannot see the pictures, so a text description is very much appreciated.     
>> 
>> 3. If you ask a question about a situation you are experiencing requesting advice, please update us on the resolution of the problem.  
>> It is just really nice to know how things worked out, and the information might prove useful to someone else.  
>> 
>> 4. If you're posting an attachment, please let us know in the body of your message what the attachment contains.      
>> 
>> 5. Please keep forwarded messages to a minimum.   
>> Remember, the message should be relevant to guide dog users in a large geographic area.  
>> If the message has nothing to do with guide dogs, don't forward it. 
>> 
>> Things to keep in mind:
>> 
>> 1. This list is open to anyone interested in guide dogs.  
>> This includes, but is not limited to: guide dog users, former guide dog users, future guide dog users, puppy raisers, guide dog trainers, guide dog program employees, owner-trainers, pet dog trainers, friends and family of guide dog users, guide horse users, etc. 
>> It is not necessary to be an NFB or NAGDU member to join or participate on the list.
>> 
>> 2. This list is publically archived.  
>> This means that anyone with an Internet connection can read posts.   
>> Don't post anything you don't want the whole world to know, such as: phone numbers, addresses, web site, etc. 
>> 
>> 
>> If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email:
>> marsha.drenth at gmail.com
>>