Since we will be using listservs to communicate with each other, there are a few rules that everyone should observe.

1. Please stay on topic! If the topic begins to change, make sure you change the header so we know what the posting is about.
2. Make sure that you delete the sections of a response that you do not need – it makes it easier for the reader to find your comments. However, don’t delete everything from the previous post. It is not uncommon for people to receive a response to a post before they receive the initial post (I don’t know why). Or, they may not remember all of the comments from the original post.
3. If the e-mail is not related to the entire group, make sure you post it privately to the person.
4. Do not use this listserv for commercial purposes, spamming, or chain mails. I can almost guarantee that the virus, cookie recipe, get free stuff, etc.e-mail that has been sent to you and you are planning to send to us is a hoax. It wastes computer space and, since VSU does not allow chain letters, doing this can cause your e-mail privileges to be revoked. Check here to see if this story is a hoax.
5. NO FLAMING WILL BE PERMITTED! Because of the nature of e-mail (anonymous, can’t see the other person’s expressions, can’t hear the tone of voice, etc.), things can be misunderstood. Do NOT make personal attacks on someone. Try to clarify what is being said rather than just calling someone an idiot, etc. As a poster, make sure that you use symbols (called emotikons) or abbreviations. Common emotikons include :) (smile), :( (frown), ;) (wink). Common abbreviations are IMHO (in my humble opinion), BTW (by the way), and FWIW (for what its worth).