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