This was sent from the listowner of the Stark Co, OH list and I
thought it was worth passing along.
>
>For you who are veterans of email lists, this might be old
>information. But, for those of you who haven't been a
>Subscriber during previous holidays, let me give you a hint at
>what is about to happen.
>
>Starting very soon since Santa, among others, has delivered
>new computers, internet service, and genealogy gifts
>(software) to a host of new rooters! We will be having an influx
>of NEW subscribers to all the lists.
>
>This is GOOD! But while you will see new cousins, friends,
>and contacts coming on-line, joining email lists, posting
>surnames to databases, they will be asking all those
>questions you have seen posted over and over again.
>Unfortunate as it may be, new users mean we have to reinvent
>the wheel all over again! *Grin*
>
>Please welcome the "newbies" to our lists, have PATIENCE
>with them, help them and hopefully send them in the right
>direction. For a month or so (perhaps til the end of January) it
>will be helpful if we can refrain from using a lot of initials and
>abbreviations in our responses. For example, when
>discussing the FHC, lets all take a couple of seconds to type
>"Family History Center," and give an explanation of who, what,
>where, when. Please don't assume that EVERYONE knows
>what it is, or has one near them.
>
>I can't stress enough how important your patience and help is
>for the next month or two. Mistakes will be made, (like
>posting a message that is blank, or no subject line, or leaving
>entire digests in replies) and questions will be asked like
>"What is the FHC, what is the SSDI, what is, can you explain,
>where do I find, etc...Remember that these were once OUR
>errors and OUR questions. We were all new once, and many
>current subscribers are still learning, so let's continue the
>spirit of cooperation throughout the year.
>
>I feel certain that our list will not have rudeness or flip answers
> If you have a problem with an individual, please keep it OFF
>the list (either email the person privately, or contact me). This
>list is about helping each other. Let's be specific and clear in
>our responses to folks, and give a little extra in explanations.
>
>Also keep in mind that new subscribers may know nothing
>about computers, the internet, and genealogy, resulting in
>many extremely inexperienced researchers. I hope we do not
>have questions regarding computers, software, etc, but if one
>does pop up, please respond to these questions off list if at
>all possible.
>
>REMEMBER these new researchers may have file cabinets
>full of information regarding YOUR own family tree, so let's be
>as cordial, helpful and informative as we can be! You might
>also re-post your family lines towards the end of January for all
>of our "newbies" to see......just in case they connect.
>Good Luck!!!!!!!!!