IF YOU DO NOT AGREE WITH ALL OF THE TERMS,

RULES AND CONDITIONS, YOU MUST NOT USE NESDAnet.

 

--- NESDAnet  Rules ---

 

We're quite serious about these rules because they allow us to carry on a professional, yet frank discussion.  Refusal or failure to comply with rules can and has led to persons being unable to post messages to any NESDAnet mail groups.  The moderator has sole discretion in these matters.

 

The moderator may contact you to remind you about a particular rule if there is a problem.  Some of the rules pertain to things that would only be a problem if they became widespread -- like forgetting to sign a message.  It may seem like nitpicking if the moderator reminds you to do something like that, but that's the only way we know to stay on top of things.

 

As you read these rules, please make your best effort to understand that the moderator is not some kind of control freak, and doesn't wish to trample anyone's freedom of speech.  Heck, the moderator can probably outcuss you and probably knows as many insults and dumb jokes as the next person.  It's just that there's no getting around the fact that a professional discussion can't work that way.

 

The bottom line on these rules is that their purpose is simple -- to keep more talented professionals involved.

 

Rules of conduct for the NESDAnet e-mail groups:

 

1.         Respect your fellow participants.

2.         Stay on topic.

3.         Do not post material from outside our groups.

4.         Do not play Moderator.

5.         Use useful subject lines and change the subject line when necessary.

6.         Post to the proper list.

7.         Post quality messages.

8.         Post accurate messages.

9.         Sign your posts -- Use short, informative and truthful signatures.

10.        Use the CORRECT email address whenever you post a message.

 

1) Respect your fellow participants. Please realize that we are not trying to control thoughts -- just the way people treat each other in this tiny corner of the Internet.  It's quite simple, really. Explain what is wrong with what the other person said, but do not explain what is wrong with the other person. Don't even tell them to "get a life," call them whiners, or troublemakers.  People quit when other people are too busy attacking and defending.  So, we will not tolerate personal attacks.

 

No spelling, grammar corrections, or flames.  This is a diverse group so there are going to be mistakes made -- and some people are just DIFFERENT that way.  Don't let yourself get all worked up over something silly like that.

 

Please watch your language.  Do not use profanity -- don't even come close.

 

Also -- since the mail is not screened before it is relayed, there is no way to prevent someone from offending you or anyone else if they decide to break a rule but the moderator DOES deal with them afterward - sometimes by preventing them from posting messages, sometimes by discussing the matter with them privately.

If someone breaks a rule, you have to let the moderator handle it.

 

You do NOT get a free shot at anyone.  Don't try it, you may BOTH end up in the doghouse.  Bottom line -- Hecklers, abusive or rude users -- anyone who will not abide by the rules will be suspended from NESDAnet.

 

2) Stay on topic.  That's what keeps all those other talented professional people subscribed to the e-mail group.  This is not a "chat room."  Please stay on the topic of the electronics industry and networking issues.  Before you post to the group, re-read what you have written and ask yourself, “What does it have to do with the electronic industry?”  You can use humor but never send a joke just to be funny.

 

3) Do not post material from outside our groups.  We do NOT repeat jokes, hoaxes -- such as these so-called e-mail virus alerts. We won't argue about how REAL or URGENT they seem, so don't ever think that you have one of these items that is so important you can't get in trouble over sending it to the group. You will.

 

Don't post mail someone else sent to you privately.  Don't be tempted, in the heat of a private argument, to take it public by posting some private matters.

 

Any material that's copyrighted is owned by someone -- if you grab it and post it to a group without permission, you've just stolen it.  That's wrong.  It can get you in trouble, and it might get us in trouble.  If you want the group to know about it, post the URL of the site, or summarize it for us.  Normally, quoting a couple of paragraphs IS a "Fair Use" of a copyrighted work. 

 

4) Do not play Moderator.  If you have problems with something happening on the group, do NOT complain to the group. Contact the moderator PRIVATELY or just ignore it.  Often the moderator has already taken private action to deal with the problem. If you play Moderator and jump into the middle, you will find yourself in trouble with the rules also.  Let the moderator deal with it. If you make a mistake with respect to any of these rules you can tell the moderator but do not apologize to everyone. That just makes for one more off topic message.  Drop it.  Remember too that there always SHOULD be several topics being discussed at any one time.  If you are not interested in a subject, don't read the messages.  We don't allow people to try to "kill" one subject in order to focus on another one.

 

5) Use useful subject lines and change the subject line when necessary.  Remember to change the Subject line to match the new topic if you are taking off in a new direction.  This is very important if for no other reason than many users have stopped reading an old topic and they won't realize that you're off onto something new and interesting.

 

6) Post to the proper list.  NESDAnet is comprised of several lists:

 

“Discuss” (formerly “Electronics”):  Exclusively electronic servicers.  Discussion amongst members should be posted here.  This is the only list to discuss problems with all industry partners.

 

TechSupport” (formerly “NESDAnet”):   All vendors, manufacturers and servicers.  Requests for technical support or search for parts should be posted to NESDAnet (full list) as manufacturers and vendors will be sure to find it there.

 

NESDA Board list:  Board of Directors, Past Presidents, selected Committee Chairs.  Board directed e-mail can be posted by anyone.

Even if you are trying to help another member, please DO NOT forward any message you received through the lists to any individual outside the list.

 

7) Post quality messages. Take some time to make your messages worth reading.  Be sincere.  By that, we mean don't toss out an opinion that isn't yours.  Sometimes we get a subscriber who makes it a practice to write something that looks like it says one thing, but can easily be reinterpreted by the author to mean something else the next day.  It's like they are playing a computer head game, instead of networking with people they respect.  The moderator won't play that game -- those people are prevented from posting to the group.

 

The same thing can happen if you post a message as a favor for someone else. Don't do it.

 

EDIT YOUR REPLIES.  One major frustration for users of mail groups is when people include a zillion lines from a previous message, and tack on a two or three line reply to it.  It's not a bad idea to include text in your replies to the group, but edit out all of those pieces that aren't needed in the reply.  If you aren't sure how to edit with your e-mail program, ask for help.

 

Don't send several copies of the same message.  Don't waste people's time with needless "Ditto" and "me too" type messages.  They add nothing to the subject at hand.

 

Don't send “test” messages.  If you want to see what happens when you send a message to the group, send something that makes sense.  If you don't have anything to say, please wait until you do.

        

Don't send "Thank You" messages to the group unless you also have something to add to the discussion -- for example, a follow-up question.  A simple one line "thank you" message is a nice thought, but unfortunately, it's one of those little things that would be a problem if everyone did it.

 

8) Post accurate messages.  Be sure your information is correct before posting.  If you have listed part or model numbers, check for accuracy.

 

9) Sign your posts. All messages should contain your name, company name, street/mailing address, city/state/ZIP code, company phone, fax, e-mail/web address.  You will find that others on the list are much more likely to respond if they know who they are talking to.

 

Additionally, check to be sure that your e-mail program is set up so that your full name shows in the “from” area of a message.  And don’t send messages with a blank subject line.

 

10) Use the CORRECT email address whenever you post a message.  Understand the differences between this INTERACTIVE email group and typical email -- between replying to the entire group and replying only to the author of a message.  You can embarrass yourself, and possibly cause serious commotion by accidentally sending PERSONAL messages to the entire group.  All administrative messages "subscribe" "unsubscribe", complaints, questions and comments should be sent to:

webmaster@nesda.com .  DO NOT send administrative messages to the GROUP address.

 

--- Moderator-Imposed NESDAnet Penalties ---

 

First Violation:               Warning notice.  Your messages may be moderated.

           

Second Violation:           1 week suspension from posting to NESDAnet.

 

Third Violation:               30-Day Removal from NESDAnet activities.

 

Fourth Violation:            1-Year Removal from NESDAnet activities.

 

Violations are accrued over any 12-month period.  Penalties may be appealed to the NESDA Board of Directors.  Such appeals shall be made in writing to the President and/or the Executive Director.  The Board will respond on the Internet within 15 business days.   Participants must comply with the imposed penalty during the appeal process.  All dues and subscription fees are non-refundable.

 

--- NESDAnet User Agreement ---

 

Subscription to NESDAnet is granted as a conditional-use privilege, not a right.

 

The use of NESDAnet is subject to the terms, rules and conditions of its use, as amended from time to time upon notice from NESDA.   Such notice may be provided

to you through email on NESDAnet.   Proceeding with the use of NESDAnet services, or the continued use of these services after receiving notice of any changes, constitutes your acceptance of such changes.

 

If you do not agree with all of the terms, rules and conditions, you must not use NESDAnet.

 

Mack Blakely

NESDA/ISCET Executive Director