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This page is a collection of references for moderators of Internet discussion groups. Many of the references below are from Usenet, which mailing list moderators may not have seen. New moderators, and those who are encountering difficulties with flames (heated arguments), may find the policy section below quite helpful.
- A. Moderation policy
- B. Netiquette and other info for new users
- C. Net abuse
- D. Management software
- E. Usenet/E-mail Gateways
This web page is provided by Roger Burns
Latest version: 00/11/18
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A. Moderation policy
How can you minimize flames and off-topic postings in your group? See how other experienced moderators have handled these situations. Follow the links below.
- Moderating and Editing Lists
Read excerpts from the Listserv Listowner's Manual, specifically the introduction to Chapter 6, and also sections 6.1 through 6.3.
- How to deal with your readership
This is an excerpt from the Netnews Moderators Handbook.
- e-Moderators Home Page
This page has many academic and general resources, and emphasizes the management of scholarly lists.
B. Netiquette and other info for new users
You may wish to refer your readers to the following documents, and/or use these to develop your own set of usage guidelines for your group.
- Netiquette, by Arlene Rinaldi
- Netiquette, by Vince Zema
- Netiquette, by the IETF
- Dear Emily Postnews
- Rules for posting to Usenet (also available via ftp)
- A Primer on How to Work with the Usenet Community by Chuq von Rospach
- Net User Questions and Answers by Arlene Rinaldi
The following references are also useful. The "What is Usenet?" document reminds all that Usenet (and by implication Internet in general) is not a democracy. Some critics of moderation may need to be reminded of this on occasion.
- What Is Usenet?
- Copyright issues
- Privacy issues, by Deja News
- Usenet page
- Usenet FAQ (also available via ftp)
C. Net abuse
- General info:
- Spam (net-wide advertisements):
- Troll (flame-baiting) FAQ: (primary text) (html version)
- The Cancel FAQ
D. Management software
E. Usenet/E-mail Gateways
If you wish to link a newsgroup and a mailing list, see the Gateway Policy document below. To discuss gateway problems, post to newsgroup bit.admin.
- Gateway Policy (also available via ftp)
- Gatewaying issues (Chapter 10 from the Listserv Listowner's Manual)
- Gateway discussion: newsgroup bit.admin
This page is maintained by Roger Burns of Washington, D.C.
E-mail: cfs-news@cais.com