NSIT Support - Usenet Posting Etiquette

Usenet Posting Etiquette

These guidelines are intended to help you (no matter which newsreading package you use) interact effectively with other Usenet users. If you haven't already, also see An Introduction to Usenet News at the University of Chicago. If you have any questions or suggestions, please write to news@news.uchicago.edu.

Things to think about before you post:

Use descriptive "Subject:" lines.
Write as you would in a letter: use upper- and lowercase characters, complete sentences, and a ragged right margin (don't right-justify). Leave white space between paragraphs.
Pay attention to spelling, sentence structure and word choice. (Your posting may be widely quoted!)
If you're following up, summarize your understanding of the previous posting, or quote enough of the original to be understandable. If you're quoting outside sources, give references.
Define acronyms and obscure terms.
Be aware of irony, humor and satire. Don't jump to conclusions about others', but try to mark yours appropriately -- the ":-)" (smiley) is one tool for this.
Remember that subtlety is difficult to communicate, and you may be misinterpreted.

Reply to other posters via mail, unless you know you have something to contribute that others will appreciate. Read others' followups before you mail or post a response.
Try to keep articles short and focused. Don't quote large portions of referenced material. If you're summarizing a discussion, make a summary.
Think about your audience -- post only to the appropriate groups. If you must use more than one, cross-post (specify all groups on the same "Newsgroups:" line -- separated by commas, no spaces).
If your article is not of worldwide interest, edit the "Distribution:" line.

Be diplomatic. A great many colleagues and/or future employers read the net; post (and mail) only what you're willing to admit years from now.
Ask for clarification, or suggest corrections gently -- via mail. Remember that people make mistakes, and so do you.
If you're truly angry, take a break before responding and get some perspective.

Get to know a group before posting. Read the group's frequently-asked questions list (if any), and a few days' worth of articles.
Do some research before you ask for help; then describe what you've already done to solve your problem. Don't ask for help in a group you aren't willing to read (at least temporarily).
Don't attempt to share late-breaking news announcements -- Usenet isn't that fast.
Double-check all header lines on your postings.
If you can't reach someone by email, ask the NSIT Support Line (834-8324, support@uchicago.edu) for help. You can also contact your correspondent by phone. Don't post because your mail bounced.
Be aware of security issues: email is not private, postings can be forged, and programs found on a network can be dangerous.

Realize that for many of the million-plus Usenet readers -- in dozens of countries -- English is not a native language.
Avoid special characters like tabs and control characters; on someone else's terminal they may look completely different.
Don't use article numbers to refer to postings; they differ at each site. (The "previous" article varies from site to site as well.) Refer to articles' Message-IDs, which are unique.

Don't use the net for commercial pursuits, or to post large excerpts from copyrighted material.
Post test postings in test groups.
Keep your signature to four lines or less.
If you make a serious mistake in posting, cancel your article right away.
Remember that many groups have special rules -- about marking spoilers, rotating questionable material, and so on.
Read the "netiquette" information in news.announce.newusers.

Last updated: 10/03/06