Date: Tue, 9 Dec 1997 11:02:44 -0500

From: "Bethany K. Dumas" dumasb[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]UTK.EDU

Subject: FAQ?



I have read the recent messages about whether non ADS members and students

should post to ADS-L. I don't have strong feelings either way. My sole

motive in deciding not to respond to individuals whoem I do not know

personally or professionally was to avoid taking to task beginning

students. In effect, I was trying to say, "If I don't know you, and you

don't tell me who you are, I will assume that you are a beginning student

and I will not hold you responsible for silly statements -- you have a

professor who can do that."



I wonder, though, whether a FAQ statement -- one that points out obvious

resources like DARE -- might help? When inidividuals sign on to the list,

they would receive and be asked to read the FAQ statement. If they then

ask questions that are answered in the FAQ statement, tehey can briefly be

reminded to read it.



This procedure works on some lists I am on. On other lists, people just

ignore the FAQ statement.



I think this procedure would serve an admirable educational function.



Who will volunteer to write it?



Bethan