I have adapted material from many sources. A listowner is another name for the poor schmuck who volunteers to manage a list. Lists are created to discuss specific topics. Listowners try to develop a balance between the chatterers and the anal-retentive types on any list. Unless, of course, the owners lean toward AR themselves.
Most lists send new subscribers welcome messages with list guidelines.
Typically, the guidelines describe the purpose of the list, provide important commands, and explain how to obtain further information. Create a mailbox specifically to save guidelines for each list that you subscribe to. Take the time to read the guidelines carefully. I am not kidding. Pay close attention to the list address for commands and the address for messages, which are always different.