TEN TIPS FOR BECOMING A HAPPY E-MAIL LIST SUBSCRIBER

     You may republish or post these suggestions or pass them on to
others, as long as you give proper attribution by including the
signature at the end.

1) Always save the "Welcome" message that arrives when you first
sign up for an e-mail list. I suggest you keep a paper copy of this
message, as well as an electronic copy. You'll eventually need
these instructions when you want to post to the list or
unsubscribe.

2) If you receive unexpected e-mail, don't fly off the handle and
immediately assume you're being spammed. The e-mail could have
gotten to you by some other means. For example, sometimes people
sign up their friends (or enemies) for lists.

3) Keep in mind that you may have subscribed to a list and then
forgotten about it. For example, many companies allow you to sign
up for their "announcement" list when you visit their Web site. You
may not actually receive e-mail from them for weeks or months after
you sign up.

4) Don't sign up friends and acquaintances to a list without their
permission. Many people, especially new Internet users, get
overwhelmed and frustrated by the large volumes of e-mail generated
by some discussion lists and e-zines. They may retaliate against
the poor moderator or administrator, who is usually a self-
sacrificing volunteer!

5) If you received e-mail material and you decide to share it with
a friend or colleague by forwarding it to them, insert a personal
note at the beginning of the message so they'll know where it came
from.

6) Pay close attention to the instructions sent out in the
"Welcome" message and (usually) with each mailing. You'll need to
follow these instructions precisely in order to post, unsubscribe,
change settings etc.

7) If the list is an e-mail discussion list, don't send
"unsubscribe" requests to the list itself. Most lists have two
addresses -- one to send a message out to the whole list, another
to send commands to the list server. Make sure you know which is
which.

8) If you've tried everything and still can't get off a list, send
a polite e-mail message to the human administrator of the list.
That person's address is usually given in the "Welcome" message and
with each mailing. Be courteous, patient and tactful. You may have
to exchange several e-mails to work out the problem. Realistically,
nine times out of ten the problem rests with you rather than the
list server or moderator.

9) Remember that there is usually a human being at the other end of
the Net. Always point a loaded e-mail program at the ground.

10) Give financial support to lists you subscribe to, if you can.
Some lists ask for voluntary contributions. Others are supported by
advertising. You might or might not patronize the advertisers, but
in any case you shouldn't complain that the ads are there.

Al Bredenberg
Editor
The NETResults News Service
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http://www.copywriter.com/bizctr.htm


(May, 1997)