Date:  Wed, 10 Dec 1997 10:10:38 -0500
From:  Jesse T Sheidlower <jester[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]PANIX.COM>
Subject: Re: RE>FAQ?

>
> I give up. What a FAQ?

A _FAQ_ (pronounced as one word /faek/), which stands for
"frequently asked questions," is a document that in general
introduces a subject and provides answers to questions that
are often asked about the subject. The FAQ for alt.usage.english,
for example, discusses specific reference books, has short essays
about common quesions of grammar and etymology, gives useful
references to English-related information on the Web, etc.

The purpose of a FAQ is not only to provide basic information,
but also to prevent common questions from recurring--every time
someone asks "what's the origin of 'the whole nine yards'?" or
"what's the third word ending in -gry," it clogs up everying
as people jump in to answer. If this material can be found in a
FAQ, it won't be asked openly. In theory.

Jesse Sheidlower
<jester[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]panix.com>