Bits and Bytes on Netiquette for Online Branch Members

As you interact with other branch members on the branch listserv, keep in mind some of our unique branch's netiquette...

1. When you send an email to the listserv address, this message is sent to the entire group. 

2. When you reply to a listserv message, your email is automatically sent to everyone on the list, not just the original sender.  So, if you’d like to send a reply or new message to only one or two people, please do not use the listserv address but instead email them directly.

   • HELPFUL HINT #1:  Pay close attention to the “TO:” and “FROM:” lines in email addresses before hitting the SEND key!

   • HELPFUL HINT #2:  To reply to an individual from a listserv email First hit “reply”, Next delete the listserv address in the new TO: line, Then enter the individual’s email address in the now empty TO: line.

3. We try to send out branch-wide greetings to welcome new members, and are happy to see a reply from them that goes to all members on the listserv to start to get to know them; however, additional personal messages beyond that initial exchange ideally should be sent between individuals, rather than continuing as a string of messages on the entire listserv.

4. If an announcement goes out asking for any type of RSVP, do not use "REPLY" but rather forward your answer to the appropriate individual. The entire listserv doesn't need to receive all those emails.

5. It is considered polite to retain a small part of previous messages when using “REPLY” so that we all can see the context of the reply (especially when there are many emails on various topics).  However, it is considerate to delete the long trails of previous messages, so that your reply isn’t followed by a long scrolling list of previous messages.

6. No matter how compelling the issue seems, do not forward emails that ask to be forwarded to everyone you know.

7. Sign any message you send to the listserv with your full name and, when applicable, your branch officer title (your email address alone in the FROM line will not always make it obvious to everyone receiving the message who you are!).

8. All exchanges on this listserv must be relevant to issues that unite us as AAUW members.  Inappropriate exchanges will be questioned, and the senders removed from the listserv if they don’t abide by these guidelines.

9. Do not use attachments in listserv messages.  It will lessen the probability of virus problems.

10. If you are going to be away, using a vacation auto-response isn't a good idea unless you first ask our branch listserv administrator to temporarily unsubscribe you from the listserv. (But doing so means you miss all discussion and information shared while you are away).

11. If you inadvertently "break" any of these netiquette rules, don't beat yourself up about it!  Even those of us who have been doing this a while goof from time to time.  So we all agree to be patient and forgiving of each other as we learn how to best communicate with each other.

12. Please visit www.netiquette.com, a guide on appropriate ways to participate in email/listserv discussions.  It also contains some good tips that will prevent unintended misunderstandings.