The skunkworks list brings together the technology community in Kenya and beyond. The subscribers to the list have diverse background. Participation in the list, like participation in any community, requires a common basis for communication. These basic rules of etiquette hopefully will help keep our communications civil and useful. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ **** What constitutes inappropriate posting? **** -> Personal Attacks, discrimination based on race, tribe, age, or anything really are frowned upon and not allowed. -> Obsenities are not allowed. -> Thread hijacks are not allowed. -> Spam is not allowed. Unsolicited marketing of products is not allowed. Products can only be mentioned in response to requests for information/products/service **** What is proper etiquette when composing new messages **** -> Not everyone on the list uses a high speed connection to read mail. If you need to include the contents of a file, it would be prudent to put that information on a website somewhere (use the Skunkworks Bulletin Board (( http://my.co.ke/phpbb) for instance) and paste the URL within your message. -> Please format your message so that it is legible, and PLEASE DO NOT SHOUT!!!!! -> Many of us do not have English as our first language, so let us avoid criticizing each other for spelling or grammatical errors. -> For OFF TOPIC messages, please use the Skunkworks Bulletin Board ( http://my.co.ke/phpbb). The list is meant for technology related discussions, so anything else is OFF TOPIC. **** What is proper etiquette when replying to existing messages **** -> Please include relevant text from the original message. Condense the message to a size that does not lose the gist of the original message. -> Consider using some means to identify which text came from the original message from your text. Many of us prepend the “>” to the original message, which makes it more legible. -> Please avoid top posting. Illustrated: a3: Please. q3: Should I avoid top posting on this mailing list? a2: Because, by reversing the order of a conversation, it leaves the reader without much context, and makes them read a message in an unnatural order. q2: Why is top posting irritating? a1: It is the practice of putting your reply to a message before the quoted message, instead of after the (trimmed) message. q1: What is top posting? (Thanks to Ashok :) ) **** Enforcement **** For inappropriate posts, the following set of actions will be taken: -> First offending post - Public warning, no further action taken -> Second offending post - Public warning, Poster placed on moderation for 1 week -> Final offending post - Public warning, Poster permanently banned from list The Skunkworks online forum is here: (http://my.co.ke/phpbb) +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ First Revision - Aug 2009 -- With Regards, Phares Kariuki | T: +254 734 810 802 | E: pkariuki@gmail.com | Twitter: kaboro | Skype: kariukiphares |