Len Hambleton requested "the rules of netiquette in point form." While I
don't pretend these are "rules," or that this list is complete, here are a
few reflections based on discussions held on this list in the past:

1. Make sure the subject agrees with the content of the message. This helps
your busy colleagues determine which messages they should take the time to
read. If your reply to a subject changes the topic, change the subject as
well (e.g. when a Job Opening prompts a discussion unrelated to the opening
itself).

2. When replying to a message received in digest form, please change the
subject to that of the message to which you are replying, instead of the
digest subject (e.g. "Re: Paper Conservation" instead of Re: MUSEUM-L
Digest - 16 Apr 1998 to 17 Apr 1998).

3. When replying to a message, please include *only* the portion of the
message to which you are replying, and be sure to state its author. It
makes it much simpler to keep track of discussions.

4. Double-check the address when sending a personal reply to the author of
a message received from Museum-L. Most e-mail programs will try to reply to
the list address, not to the address of the individual who sent the
original message. Remember that all messages to the list go to 1600
strangers all over the world.

5. Consider whether your message needs to go to the entire list before
sending it. If your comment or question is for a specific individual, and
has limited value to others, please send it directly to the individual you
wish to reach.

6. Before sending a new message, please search past messages to see if the
topic has been discussed recently. Check the Museum-L archives
(http://home.dc.lsoft.com/archives/museum-l.html) or search at DejaNews
(http://www.dejanews.com/home_ps.shtml  Group name should be
bit.listserv.museum-l).

7. Check the FAQ at http://www.nmmnh-abq.mus.nm.us/nmmnh/museum-l.html for
questions about subscribing, unsubscribing, receiving messages individually
or in digest form, etc.

8. Use search engines before asking the list for addresses/websites of
other museums. Your colleagues are glad to help when they can, but you
should not ask them for things you could find easily on your own.

9. Under no circumstances should graphics files be sent to the list. They
tend to clog systems and create ridiculous download times. If you want
people to see a graphic, put it on a website and post the URL, or offer to
e-mail it directly to individuals upon request.

10. Do not send job announcements or other messages as attachments. Not
everyone is able to receive them, and those who do may not have the proper
software to open them. Paste the text into the body of the message to
ensure that all on the list will be able to read it.

11. Be sure to include your name and your e-mail address with every message
so those who wish to contact you directly can do so.

12. If someone requests replies off-list, please send messages directly to
them instead of to the entire list. There are usually reasons people want
personal replies (they don't have access to the list, they don't read it
often, they don't want others to have to read the responses, etc.).

13. If someone has requested off-list replies on a topic in which you are
interested, please ask the poster directly if he or she will share
responses with you or with the list. (See also #3)

Others?

Overall, just keep in mind that your colleagues are as busy as you are, and
anything you can do to lessen the amount of garbage they have to sift
through will be appreciated!

Meg Ehr
Curator
Outagamie Museum and Houdini Historical Center
330 E. College Ave.
Appleton, WI  54911
(920) 735-9370 x105
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