Subject: [l/m 6/1/92] A short note on posting, cross-posting
Date: 12 Apr 1996 12:01:08 GMT
Summary: Stop, Think, Observe, Plan

Panel 12

.Table of Contents of this Chain

12.Posting headers and cross-posting..<This panel>
16.Distribution Fields
20.Killfiles (with extreme prejudice)
24.Canceling posted news articles
28.News quiz
1.Reminders on use of the *.general news.groups
8.General Help Reading News

This is a quick lesson on posting (to any group).  Unfortunately,
inconsistencies of news and notes systems will limit some of this information.
See news.announce.newusers and consult (by mail) a news/system guru if you
need help, even if that guru is on another system.

This is a news message header and some hints to remember:

Newsgroups: <- if you cross post or use "general" use the Followup-To: line
Subject: <- EDIT this field if you refine your subject
Summary: 
Expires: <- for dated postings
References: <- most systems take care of this
Sender: 
Reply-To: 
Followup-To: <- consider using this field to limit cross posting or "poster"
Distribution: <- consider limiting posting to ba, ca, usa, na, and so forth
Organization: 
Keywords: 

News is potentially a beautiful communication tool.  Unfortunately, it is
too easily abused.  Cross-posting isn't bad, but just like forgetting to
edit a Subject line, you can have unintended effects.  If you are not
absolutely clear on what each field does, ask for help FIRST.  CONSIDER
all newsgroups you are posting and make certain you use a minimum number.
Use the followup line and consider the offer of posting summaries (makes you
the center of attention.  Place the most relevant newsgroup first!
If you want a discussion to appear in multiple groups like:

Newsgroups: ba.xxx,ca.yyy,na.zzz,ba.general
#where xxx, yyy, and zzz are groups, then use a Followup line like:
Followup-To: ba.xxx
#LEAVING general out.  ba.xxx should be the most relevant group.

like:

Newsgroups: comp.graphics,ba.seminars
Followup-To: comp.graphics

Consider that if you have a topic of non-immediate interest that you post
with using a limited domain/distribution like:

Newsgroups: rec.audio,ba.wanted
Distribution: ba
Followup-To: rec.audio
#Keeping out of general, getting the audio philes and those seeking.

Remember: KEEP ADS in the market groups, and save general for important
announcements.

Oh?  You didn't know about rec, misc, talk, alt, news, sci, comp?  Well!

