RULE ONE ABOUT MAILING LISTS: DON’T TALK ABOUT MAILING LISTS.

Or moreso, don’t talk about shit you don’t know.

Two, Don’t bash people publically. Anyone in CYA (thats cover your ass) doesn’t make stupid statements in public on a recorded medium like a mailing list (even -core, people keep archives). If you have a problem with someone, with a comment or whatever; e-mail them privately. If you think Ciaran has a tiny penis or that seemant kills babies then thell them so privately. I’m sure both appreciate your constructive criticism. Harassing people on a public ML may drive up the troll meter but really makes you look like an arse to anyone with half a brain.

Three, Stay Civil. Nothing destroys your point worse than getting all bent out of shape. Assume right away that there was a misunderstanding; half the flames that we have come from someone not getting it. For some of us English is not our first language. Deal.

Four, When reading mail, read the whole thread before responding. I used to have this fun idea that in a thread of 20 unread mails I’d read a mail and have a response, so I’d respond; then read another 4 mails, respond, read another 5 mails…respond….
Chances are you will repeat something asked or said in a later mail.