1. SEND SYSTEM COMMANDS TO THE RIGHT PLACE.
   Source: Deaf-L page in Yahoo! Groups

   More information:	Deaf-L page in Yahoo! Groups
   Post message:	[email protected]
   Subscribe:	[email protected]
   Unsubscribe:	[email protected]
   List owner:	[email protected] (forwarded to Mike Yared)
   DEAF-L FAQ Maintainer:	Omer Zak

2. THIS IS AN INFORMATION AND SUPPORT GROUP,
   not a source of hard scientific/medical information. If that's what you're looking for, post your questions, and we'll try to refer you to an appropriate source. Our specialty is what's NOT in the books - the nuts and bolts of daily life as affected by deafness.
3. POST YOUR QUESTIONS!
   This list generates far too much traffic for browsing to be an effective way to get specific information.
4. KEEP TO THE SUBJECT LINES, OR CHANGE THEM.
   If you can't change them, originate a new message with an appropriate subject line. Don't simply "reply" unless your message is CLEARLY on the same subject. Put the word [OFFTOPIC] in the subject line if the message isn't mostly about deafness.
5. WHEN IN DOUBT, USE PRIVATE E-MAIL.
   Is your message of general interest? If not, send it privately. This goes for test message confirmations, too -- only the person who needs the confirmation should get it.
6. BE CAREFUL ABOUT VERY SHORT MESSAGES AND EMBEDDED POSTS.
   If you've already seen a couple of congratulatory or condolence messages to one person, send yours by private e-mail. Also, don't just add a one line message after embedding a whole long post -- if you don't have time to edit, don't embed.
7. PUT YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS IN THE BODY OF YOUR MESSAGE.
   Some mailers don't provide full headers and signature files.
8. DON'T POST TO THE LIST TO ASK IF THE SERVER IS DOWN.
   Instead, find a buddy who is not on your leg of the network, and send private e-mail to find out what's going on.
9. BE TOLERANT.
   Lots of different views are expressed successfully by list members. It's okay to disagree, but it's NOT okay to attack other members personally. Be polite even when you're angry. If you're too angry to be polite, don't post or send private e-mail.
10. USE "EMOTICONS" TO SHOW EMOTIONS IN YOUR MESSAGE.
    These make it easier to gauge emotion in small samples of text; it's better to be explicit than misunderstood. Two common systems are words in brackets, such as <grin> (often abbreviated to <g>), and "sideways smileys." Some common smileys are: :-) (regular happy smile), ;-) (winking sly smile), :-( (sad frown), and :-| (grave concerned look).
11. KEEP YOUR SENSE OF HUMOR.
    A post that LOOKS offensive might actually be an ongoing joke between list members -- don't jump in with criticisms until you're sure what's going on. Remember that topics will shift if you're off the list for awhile; use private e-mail to catch up.
12. BE CAREFUL ABOUT THE ACCURACY OF INFORMATION YOU PROVIDE --
    someone's quality of life may depend on it. Make it clear when you offer an opinion, and cite your sources when you quote them.

Enjoy your stay with us!