On Sat, 2008-10-04 at 08:32 +0100, Anne Wilson wrote: > On Friday 03 October 2008 21:33:09 Vandaman wrote: > <snip> > > On some mailing lists, long time users are put off by the > > > flood of posts by newbies who don't even conform to the list > > > guidelines. Some pay back by not replying to those in violation > > > without as much as a hint. > > > > > And that is rude and thoughtless. Newbies don't necessarily know how > and where to look for help. Respectfully, I disagree. There is an expectation (apparently unreasonable in today's society) that newcomers will make themselves aware of the courtesies and protocols used on a given list. If they haven't done so, or choose to make no effort to conform, why should *our* valuable time be wasted on such? It is better to only waste the OPs time. Having said that, most denizens do make an effort to point the offender in the right direction and even help. But all have limits unique to them. Their time is not for others to waste. So, I don't consider it rude and inconsiderate. It is, IMO, very courteous and considerate when compared to some alternatives I've seen used. It is a matter of personal choice. Just as in the real world, there is certain behavior expected from those with whom I *choose* to interact. Rudeness tends to be POV-centric. > > > Would a new list really solve anything or would it close > > > one door and open another? > > > > > That would depend on whether the list is valued enough for people to > respect it. True, true. But as I know you've seen, there are those who respect nothing other than their own needs. > > Anne > <snip sig stuff> MHO -- Bill