Hi gang. Now that I'm more actively monitoring the list, it's now time
to remind everyone that we need to take steps to insure we are each
doing our part in helping this list run smoothly. I've pasted the
following suggestions which should help. If I find that a specific
person is constantly sending out one liners, harassing people, or doing
things which constitute a violation of general list etiquette rules, I
will remove the person's posting privileges. Note that this is different
from what used to happen in the past where people were put on moderated
status.
Now, here's what I have as general guidelines for how we should all
treat this list.
1. We are all in the ballroom at the VIPhone Manor. Think of the mailing
list as a huge room where all the list members are hanging out and
sharing ideas, experiences, asking questions, ETC about our favorite iOS
devices. There is a wireless microphone being passed around and every
time someone posts to the list, they hold the microphone for that
glorious moment and everyone in the room gets to hear what they have to
say. However if that same someone responds privately to another list
member instead of posting to the list, the conversation is kept quiet
and no one in the ballroom is aware of it. Please try and consider when
you want to post to the list, does everyone need to hear what I have to
say, or does only the person I'm having a conversation need to hear it.
Lively and positive list discussion is encouraged as long as it remains
on topic. Personal conversations or things which are obviously meant for
one person are not.
Some good examples of holding the microphone for everyone to hear are:
Posting about a new app or an update to an app. Discussing good and bad
points about an app or a specific iOS device. Sharing experiences about
an app or a situation where the iOS device made a difference in
something you did. Asking questions about the accessibility of an app.
Comparing apps or iOS devices.
Some not-so-good examples of holding the microphone for everyone to hear
are: Posting one-liner messages such as "me too", "thank you", or "your
welcome" and not adding to the discussion at hand. Asking a specific
person for their email address when it's right there in the message you
are responding to. Treating someone with no respect, or talking down to
someone who might not have an answer to a question. Trying to moderate
the list yourself.
2. Tolerance and patience. This list is comprised of over 1000 people
with a varying range of education, background, ethics, and age. Because
of this we ask that you all show tolerance toward each others' style of
writing and expression. If you feel that a list member has posted a
message which is offensive, unreadable, grammatically or syntactically
incorrect please do not complain about it on list. You can either ignore
the message, or take it up with me or Cara privately. Flaming the list
member on list would not be cool at all. There are times when emotions
can get hot, and if this happens, it's ok to step back and let things
cool down. If action is required by the moderators, let us handle it.
3. Use appropriate language. Foul language is not acceptable on list. We
realize that some words are not considered foul language in certain
parts of the world or in the context used. However when posting to the
list decide on whether your message would be appropriate in a children's
book or if it would be tolerated in grade school.
4. Fellowship. The VIPhone list doesn't only exist to serve as a
database of questions and answers. That is what knowledge bases, FAQs,
and Google searches are for. In addition to exchanging knowledge, This
list is a place for us to fellowship in some small way. Although
personal chat-like posts will always creep up on list, they are not
condoned. It is in our nature to want to discuss things with each other.
They might start off as iOS related but then might stray to other areas.
If this happens, please move the discussion off the list so it can
remain on topic. It is very easy for a discussion about a weather app to
morph into a discussion about the weather in your city and how your pets
feel about the recent climate changes.
5. Appropriate postings. It goes without saying, but please take care to
post messages which are iOS related. Asking questions about the best
Android app for your checkbook, or finding the best places to vacation
next summer are not considered on topic. If you post links to web sites
or podcasts or downloads, make sure they are public links or that you
have permission to post them. Postings containing salacious or
defamatory material, piracy, cracking/hacking of any software, and
anything illegal are unacceptable and inappropriate.
6. Revoking posting privileges. I hate writing this one, but it has to
be said. We realize that most everyone here is here to get information
from the list and wants to participate in positive discussion. However
there are always a few bad apples in a large group. (Pun intended). It's
these bad apples which can ruin it for others. Unfortunately if a topic
on list gets out of hand, or someone starts flaming others on list,
steps need to be taken. So, please rest assured that if list members
need to be spoken to regarding list postings, or list behavior, it will
be done. If a resolution isn't reached, the offending member's posting
privileges will be revoked. In short, this means that the member will be
able to read list messages but will not get to post to the list.
7. List traffic. We realize that list traffic can get a bit overwhelming
at times. This is especially true when a new iOS version comes out. Just
know that usually the increase in traffic during a new iOS release is
just temporary. However you can always do your best to help minimize
that list traffic by following the guidelines you are reading.
Additionally you can switch to digest mode which bundles many messages
into one large one, or you can set filters in GMail, or in your specific
mail program so that list messages are not flooding that precious inbox.
8. List archives. The archives for this list are available at
http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ which is very
speech friendly and can be searched. This is a great resource to finding
that answer you are looking for regarding a past topic. One which comes
to mind is, "How do I enable or disable the screen curtain?" I
personally feel that searching the archives from this page are easier
than searching them from the Google Groups web site, however both can be
done.
That's it for the list guidelines. Remember that if you have any
suggestions, comments, complaints, or constructive criticism regarding
the list. Let me and/or Cara know. We will do our best to make things right.
Happy iOSing.
--
Raul A. Gallegos
Twitter and Facebook user ID: rau47
--
The following information is important for all members of the viphone list. All
new members to the this list are moderated by default. If you have any
questions or concerns about the running of this list, or if you feel that a
member's post is inappropriate, please contact the owners or moderators
directly rather than posting on the list itself. The archives for this list can
be searched at http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/.
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