Many of us have been around the net long enough that we don't
need someone telling us how to post to a mailing list, or how to
decide when, and when not, to reply to messages, or even what to
talk about when we do post.  I've been thinking about this for a
few days and thought I would post anyway on this topic of list
ethics.  This isn't to scold anybody so don't take it personally.
Besides, I break the rules, sort of speak, all the time.

     First, on any mailing list, you don't have to reply to every
message the comes through the list.  I often do not even post, for
example, after stating my request for prayer, to everyone who
replies and says they will be praying.  furthermore, if a person
makes a prayer request, it isn't even necessary to say you are, in
fact, praying over that request.  If you are on a low traffic
mailing list, replies to most things aren't a problem.
Fortunately, echurch isn't that large of a list, less than 50
subscribers, and half of those never post or are on no mail, so we
don't often experience too much posting on the list.  You can, of
course, and perhaps should more often than not, reply to that
person's prayer request off list to them privately.

     Secondly, most lists have a general topic or theme they try
and follow.  Most of you realize, or have been told, that echurch
is more of a support group for Christians to fellowship.  That
includes prayer requests, praise reports, and general topics
related to church in general.  Overall, echurch is for fellowship
and Christian support.  Yes, we often post off topic, sort of
speak, but if we didn't, there would be two or three messages a
day on the list and then people lose interest.  List profiles are
funny no matter what mailing list you are on.  Drifting off topic
is allowed on most lists, including echurch, but some people who
like low traffic lists and less visiting back and forth, leave the
list because of the traffic while others leave because there
isn't enough traffic.

     A good rule of thumb is simply to ask yourself, before
replying or posting, is this something everyone on the list will
find interesting or helpful.  If not, writing to the person off
list is recommended.  No, I don't always do that myself.  It
depends mostly on the ebb and flow of the list traffic itself.
Echurch is about 12 years of age and has never been much larger,
or smaller, than it is right now.  You'll discover at least a
dozen blind people on the list but the list isn't for just blind
people.  You will find we have some members who rarely post at all
but they are reading the mail.  You will also discover that
subscribers will delete a lot of mail they don't wish to read so
changing the subject line to reflect the current discussions helps
everybody.  In short, learn to use your delete key.

     these are just some ideas worth your consideration.  As I
said, nobody is in trouble so just take it for what it is.  Use
your delete key a lot, answer people off list when appropriate,
and don't tell anybody else how, or how not, to post to the list.
That's what list owners and moderators are for.  Most of all,
echurch is a place, from day one, that Christians can share their
personal feelings without fear of retribution or ridicule.  If
they want that type of treatment, they can just go to church on
Sunday.

Phil.

It Sounds Like God To Me.
www.SafePlaceFellowship.com