People who send messages to discussion lists do so with the knowledge that all list members may read them, and may quote parts of them in replying or continuing the discussion. Direct quotes outside the list is not only frowned upon, it is probably illegal, since the author still owns the message. Netiquette is the etiquette of being involved in electronic discussions. Read a few messages before you post yours, to be sure you understand the purpose of the list and the current discussion. In replying, quote enough of a message such that people will understand the context of your reply.
Some people have character-based signature files that appear at the ends of their messages.
The minimum functional connection is probably electronic mail, which supports discussion lists, but can do file retrieval only with difficulty. A modem connection to the BBS supports file retrieval and messaging.