Writing Email

Be aware that most list-serve groups observe common courtesies that may differ from group to group. One list-serve may ask that you mail a first message introducing yourself and explaining your interest in the group topic. Other list-serve groups may ask that you "lurk" (reading without participating) for a few weeks until you "get the feel" for the common exchanges before you jump in. Don't create the wrong impression as did a student joining a professional list-serve recently: she asked how we could be so boring by never writing any messages. As a member quickly responded, this group usually asks for polite introductions first, and she would get more responses when the members returned from the major annual convention that had taken them all away from their desks for ten days.