Linda,  Could you please discuss the 250 line maximum rule.  I see that I'm
not the only one who has had messages much shorter than that (as seen on our
screens) rejected recently.  Thanks.  Bert
----- Original Message -----
From: "Jim Brunner" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Monday, December 22, 2003 5:57 AM
Subject: Conch-L


> Dear List Members,
>
> It's that time again.  This is part of my job, reminding you of the
> rules and pointing out recent infractions.
>
> Most of us have been good little boys and girls but a few of us need to
> think a little longer before we write.  This is not a forum for
> insults.  Keep these hurtful and insulting comments to yourself or send
> them privately.    This list is for the exchange of shell information
> only.  Any other information or COMMENTS you wish to communicate MUST be
> done privately.  This includes responses to off topic posts that
> occasionally appear and critiques of others' work, especially when you
> make them in such a way as to be hurtful to the author.   You may
> disagree and cite your reasons for disagreement without flaming.  Thank
> you for helping COA to continue to maintain  this forum.
>
>
> RULE 4. NO FLAMING:
>
> "Flaming" means "insulting or attacking via Internet." Shellers are
> noted for being Deep Thinkers. Disarm  your opponents with good
> arguments, not by calling them names or making snide comments.   Have
> you done any work  that  is worthy of being published?  Remember,
> postings to CONCH-L are  archived. Please don't embarrass yourself in
> perpetuity.
>
>
>
> Maintaining a list is time consuming, and the people who help maintain
> CONCH-L are all volunteers.  Please treat them with respect.
>
> 1. NO Commercial Advertising (Very Important!!!)
> 2. NO Big Files or 'Attached' Files
> 3. NO Off-Topic Postings
> 4. NO Flaming
>
>
> Rule No. 1: NO Advertising:
>
> Commercial Advertising is not allowed; not even by non-profit
> organizations. UGA, as a community
> service, "grants the use of its facilities to organizations whose
> activities contribute to its mission."
> CONCH-L is considered to be an "educational resource," and therefore
> falls within UGA's mission.
> However, UGA and the State of Georgia have strict rules that do not
> allow use of these resources for  personal gain, thus no free
> advertising or commercial messages. In particular:
>
>             a.Offering to sell or recommending your own products or
> services is NOT allowed (this includes  lists of shells, book
> catalogues, equipment and trips). CONCH-L is not to be used as an
> inexpensive substitute for commercial advertising. However, this list
> was set up to encourage discussions and therefore this rule can be bent
> a little (please remember the qualifier 'a little'.)
>  If you are responding to a request for information about your product
> please limit your reply
>  to a brief answer and address (home, email or web) where the requester
> can find more
>  information.   If you wish to send a large document (image, article or
> catalog) please send it directly to  the person who requested the
> information and not to the list.
>             b.Requesting information on, or recommending products or
> services or sources where they may be  obtained IS allowed. One of the
> goals of this list is to help people make connections and learn   more
> about Malacology and Conchology. People wishing to exchange shells and
> publications   may announce that their trading lists are available, but
> should not post lists to CONCH-L.
>              c.Public-service announcements of new publications (books
> and journals), shell clubs, and web  sites (including commercial web
> sites) ARE allowed, as are posting of general information on shell shows
> and conventions. Of course this includes posting about an updated
> internet site or
>  reprinted publication. Book reviews by non-interested individuals are
> encouraged as an
>  educational resource. If the announcement concerns a commercial site
> please use discretion.
>
> If you have doubt about whether your message is advertising or not, send
> it to the List Manager at
> [log in to unmask] who will look it over and let you know if
> it's postable.
>
>
> Rule 2. NO Big Files:
>
> Please don't send image files or other documents larger than 4 text
> pages to the list. DO NOT send  attached files to the list. Not everyone
> has a powerful computer or a fast Internet connection. Large files  can
> lock up some computers or cause loss of messages arriving behind them.
> Also, some subscribers pay  directly for receiving and storing messages.
>
> If you have a great image file or document that you think the
> subscribers of CONCH-L would be interested  in, post an announcement.
> That way interested subscribers will be able to contact you directly for
> more  information. This is especially important if it is an image file,
> as you will have to explain what they need to do to view the file.
>
> Rule 3. NO Off-Topic Postings:
>
> A primary rule on any list is to respect the list's published subject by
> not posting off-topic messages. This  includes virus warnings, which are
> usually out-of-date hoaxes. Remember, what is 'new' to you may be  old
> news to everyone else. Please post off-topic messages to a more
> appropriate list or news group.
>
>
> I wish all list members a healthy, happy holiday season!
>
>
> Linda Brunner