netiquette

Barry Meyers-Rice (barry@as.arizona.edu)
Tue, 13 Feb 1996 09:59:22 -0700

>A very recent exchange bothered me enough to jump in. There was what I
>considered to be another innocent "novice" call for information, very much
>like my own call made in January. It's really difficult for those of us
>who are 'beginners' with computers and the internet and these types of
>plants to enter the arena with people who know SO much more.

Jane, thanks for all the kind words re: the FAQ I wrote. I think that there
_may_ be the occasional time that some kid downloads the thing for bogus
class credit---oh well! (Reminds me of a compuserv/aol-type advert on the
TV in which a couple of guys do on-line research for their kids school
project).

But as you note, we must *all* maintain our polite decorum with newbies,
despite all the times we hear the same intro questions. I'm an old hand at
the hobby now, but I remember with glee my first few plants... I have a
file I regularly send to newbies that gives a few suggestions (mostly to
look at the FAQ, sign onto the newsgroup, and ask questions and listen to
responses). I never address a net-mate in a tone I wouldn't use FTF or at
least over the phone...

BAMR