On such occasions, they will be more than happy to hear from you, and to help you out. This is an unmoderated mailing list, use your judgement in posting, and maintain a level of politeness, as you would in a conversation in a mixed company of intelligent friends and strangers. As discussions take place in the absence of facial, verbal and visual cues and feedback, your efforts to clarify the content and intent of your message will be appreciated. Separate opinions from facts, and clearly identify both. As much as possible, qualify your statements to reduce chances for misunderstandings.
Caution is advised in discussing topics with emotional content.
When in doubt about a topic, or when a topic seems inflammatory, wait a day before sending a response. Jokes are welcome, as long as worded in good taste, and respectful of other persons and their feelings, opinions and dignity. If a topic is only of interest to you and one other member, contact her or him directly through personal email or phone. When replying to a previous post, include only as much of the original text as is relevant, and delete the irrelevant portions, as courtesy to other readers by respecting their time and space. If you feel compelled to send such, please do so only by private e-mail to the writer of the original to which you are responding.