My comments on the following: >1. It has a useful subject. >2. You have attempted to resolve the problem yourself. >3. You have searched the message archive for a similar problem. >4. You have searched the web for a similar problem. >5. You spell checked your message. >6. It is good practice to include System Information where relevant. >7. It is good practice to show unsuccessful attempts at resolution.
Obviously, the above applies if you are asking for help. For general comments about Mac products or requests for comments, I think the standards can be a bit looser. >When responding to a message, ensure that: >1. You quote appropriate parts of the message. >2. You attribute the quotes correctly. >3. You put your response *below* the quoted part. Sorry, I agree to disagree on this one. I will always put my response above the quoted part unless I am responding to a particular part of the message, as I am here. This is an issue of personal preference. >4. You only respond to the list - unless specifically asked otherwise. I prefer to respond to the individual off list for brief comments or to agree with a comment they have made or to thank them for their help. I believe that one should respond to the list when one feels others may benefit from their comments. >5. Your response will be helpful to a future user who searches the archive. >6. If you don't *know*, then say that you're guessing. >7. If you're not sure, then say that you think so. >8. If your response is really a new post, adjust the Subject accordingly. I really agree with 6, 7 & 8. Also, I do want to say that although I know the experts on the list may feel like they are always being asked or somehow they may feel obligated to answer a question that they are knowledgeable about, I don't feel that is the case. I think that the beauty of this list is that everyone can help each other. So if you, like Onno, are a guru who may not want to answer a question for the millionth time on this list, just don't. Someone else will. Or maybe they won't. Personally, I think that, in most cases, the contributions to this list aren't superfluous. I enjoy the discussion and dialogue, not just the help tips. Regards, Nathalie
