List Etiquette

In using the list it is important that you observe the normal Net etiquette. In particular note that the list cannot handle attachments. The aim is to keep the list operations simple and free of viruses. If you wish to send attachments please do so “off list”.

Communicating with the List

Bear in mind in communicating with the list you are joining a community of like-minded educators. Introduce yourself to the group. It only needs a few words.

The list is a database of members. When you send an email to iwbnet@iwb.net.au your note will be sent to every member on the list. If you want to reply back to the list then choose Reply to All. If you want to reply to the sender only choose Reply.

Commercial Posts

There should be no direct commercial posts to the lists unless they are authorised by IWBNet in advance.

Commercial organisations are asked to respect the list. If your posting is of a commercial nature, please email info@iwb.net.au to organise a commercial agreement.

If a user posts the question "Does anyone have information about product X?” the provider of product X should send information directly to that person by email, rather than posting the information to the list. If the person finds value in your products/services, they will probably share their pleasure with other members.

Commercial contributors should avoid negative comments about their competitors' products. If you are uncertain of the appropriateness of a message to be posted feel free to contact the list administrator.

As a member of the list you should be aware that IWBNet will open the opportunity for commercial posts to be sent from our Partners and IWBNet itself retains the right to occasionally use the list to promote its own work.

Other Guidelines

Be careful when replying to the sender of a list message. Many email systems will send your reply to the list address if you simply use a reply command. This could be embarrassing if the message is of a personal nature.

Don’t post a reply message to the list address if it is of no interest to most members. Just send it to the individual who posted the original message to which you are responding.

Think before you post. Do I really want to say this to the entire world? Re-read what you wrote before hitting the Reply to All button. Did you really say what you intended to? As you’ll very much appreciate once a message is sent, it cannot be retrieved.

When replying to a list message do not include the entire message quoted. Paraphrase or quote selectively.

Include a clear subject line in your postings.

Please do not send chain letters to the list. Offenders may be removed from the list.

As already indicated, do not send attachments. Attachments can be a major cause of spreading computer viruses. Paste the complete message as text in the main body of an email message.

Flames: a 'flame' is an emotionally charged posting and is often directed at someone. Personal conversations should be had “off list”. IWBNet will immediately remove those members who post rude, inflammatory or inappropriate messages.

To signal humorous intent use some sort of 'smiley' such as :-). Facetiousness and sarcasm can be misunderstood easily in online communication.

Be considerate of others. Occasionally we all make mistakes. Sometimes the wording is not what was intended. A private message to the ‘offender’ from an experienced friend or from the list administrators is the best way forward.

IWBNet List has its own character, just like any 'real' community. The list will function best when people respect the character of the list. As an international list, involving many cultures it is very important to respect the differences among list members and have a certain tolerance for our individual eccentricities.

Please participate! Your ideas are important. Just because you think everyone knows something, doesn't mean that they do. If you're not sure, send the posting to an experienced friend on the list (or one of the IWBNet administrators, info@iwb.net.au)  to see if the information may be valuable.