quoting original text, was Re: ATM archives, msg from list owner

[Mel Bartels <mbartels@efn.org>]

Email list netiquette calls for little, preferably no quoting of
original text.

Email for many of us is so incredibly easy that it lends itself to bad
habits.  How many of us would rewrite the contents of a personal letter
in our response?  Instead, we might summarize a long letter by writing,
"So sorry to hear of your brother's troubles."  Then our response would
follow.

Similarly, best is to summarize specifically what you are responding
to.  Next best is to cut a snippet out, surrounding it by '>>>" and
'<<<' or similar delimiters.  Never is it ok to quote the entire
original message.

Finally, a plea for some leniency.  Everyone makes mistakes, everyone
has a bad day.  If you wish to point out someone's transgressions,
especially if the person has no track record in this area, then try to
give the benefit of the doubt.

Thanks!!!!!

--
Clear skies, Mel Bartels
http://www.efn.org/~mbartels