Date:  Tue, 9 Dec 1997 09:52:01 -0500
From:  mmcdaniel <mmcdaniel_at_interval-miami[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]INTERVAL-INTL.COM>
Subject: Re: Posts from non-professionals

   I think the key to posting on any list is careful consideration.
   Whether someone is a student or a professional, he or she should
   consider the following when about to post:

   1. Am I _reacting_ or _responding_?
   2. Do I really have knowledge of this topic, or just an interest?
   3. Am I insulting someone else?
   4. Am I saying something of value to the list, or do I just like to
   see my own posts?

   Your responses to these questions should not necessarily keep you from
   making your post, but rather help you shape your post so that it
   benefits the list as much as possible.

   I am a magazine editor with an interest in linguistics. I tend to lurk
   and not post; I use the list to learn, mostly. I never post about
   pronunciation or etymology because I am not knowledgeable in those
   areas. I ask questions when I need answers, I respond to "have you
   ever heard..." posts, and I submit opinions when I believe mine is as
   valid as any other list member.

   I hope ADS-L will remain open to non-ADS members such as myself. I
   like Susanmarie's ideas for the list. I once belonged to a list that
   was automatically open to a certain group (ophthalmologists); anyone
   who was not an ophthalmologist (I do medical editing, among other
   things) had to apply to the moderator. If someone posted
   inappropriately, he or she could be removed by the moderator.

   Hope these thoughts help.

   Matthew McDaniel