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Biz FAQ - Frequently Asked QuestionsFrequently asked questions regarding the 'Biz' small business discussion list. |
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Generally speaking, no one. This crew doesn't need a boss, just some good ideas and an occasional Snarfing. The bouncer's the one talking to the funny looking guy in the corner. He's harmless most of the time, until one of the Big Three No-No's happen. Then he gets mad. You wouldn't like him when he gets mad. His posts turn a really putrid shade of green and he starts sputtering incoherently.
Message Headers It's a good idea to read any message from the list-owner marked [ADMIN]. These concern the group as a whole, and pertain directly to the list. Please do not respond to these publicly. When a subject contains the word [Brainstorm], the message is part of the brainstorming process, and may contain what look like off the wall ideas. These are a Good Thing, as they can spur more creative ideas than traditional discussion. Please do not comment on any idea in a brainstorm post until the thread is called off and the topic is moved into the discussion phase.
What topics are NOT allowed ? MLM, Spam, personal attacks, most advertising.
Most advertising ? I didn't think any types of advertising were allowed. On most lists that's true. This is a business list for business people, and to expect them to ignore an opportunity is pointless and counterproductive. In the case where you see a post to the list and think you have a solution to the problem that would be of interest to very few other people, contact the poster in email privately. On the other hand, if you have suggestions for specific techniques to address the problem or issue that could be used with your own product or service AND those of others, post your suggestions. I ask only that you include something like the following :
For further information [ contact info / URL here ].
This can be at the beginning of the post, at the end, or immediately following the mention of services which you provide. Use your best judgment. I'm not going to blast anyone for good faith efforts to be helpful while getting the word out. This will alleviate the problem of people wondering when it's okay to post their services, and will encourage networking among small businesses. That networking is one of the main functions of this list. If your post contains *nothing but advertising*, I will consider it spam, and treat it as such. Yes, the list is moderated. In theory, you know that and won't try to send spam. If I get posts that would be spam when sent to an unmoderated group, I'll assume the sender is not to be trusted any further than a more typical spammer, and act accordingly. Announcements which contain material which is obviously of interest to only a very small percentage of the group will be frowned upon.
I can understand not wanting Spam ... Not just not wanting it on the list. Not even discussing it. Ways to utilise direct email for a small business are okay, provided they don't get into discussion (in any form) of unsolicited commercial email (sending or receiving) or inappropriate newsgroup advertising. These discussions don't contribute to the successful operation and profitability of the businesses involved. They bring out flames, cries of "Censorship" and all manner of unpleasant or rude behavior. It is off topic. Besides which, I hate spam. The mere thought of it turns my posts green.
And personal attacks... Of course. Except in a brainstorming phase of a topic, you may challenge ideas as strongly as you like. The challenge is good for weeding out iffy suggestions. Flames are not allowed. (Note : I take this rule very seriously. I don't even want to see an attempt at flaming.) Borderline cases will simply be warned. Outright flames to the list address will result in suspension or removal.
But why no MLM ? Mention in sig files is fine, as long as the sigs remain within the usual parameters of 4-6 lines. Network marketers are welcome on the list for their expertise and we hope that they will also learn from the group. Promoting MLM and network marketing businesses is not allowed. Three reasons. Reason #1: The way so many people handle it. Anyone wanting an example of what I mean is invited to check out one of the many newsgroups which have been destroyed by rampant advertising. I have never seen an online forum that allowed MLM ads that survived long after the first one was permitted. Reason #2 : Success in MLM requires too many people to fit the parameters of this group. Reason #3 : There is no shortage of MLM centered sites and resources. There is a distinct shortage of practical open forums for home businesses.
What kind of message traffic is common ? Varies wildly. It can be relatively quiet for days at a time and then erupt into flurries of posts that'll keep you jumping. If you plan on just reading for ideas, I recommend that you subscribe to the Digest version. If you plan on participating, go with the single mail version.
"Hey, Baby, what's your cause?" Sorry. Don't have one. Posts which are specifically intended to promote causes are off topic, period. This list is for people to discuss business. And do business. Not promote political causes. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, religious (or non-religious) or political beliefs, sexual preference, or any of that other stuff that's none of our business. I define discrimination in this regard as taking action on those bases for or against the individual. For the record, the moderator supports only one politically oriented charity. Amnesty International.
What about sig (signature) files ? The content of your signature file is exempt from advertising rules, as is the convention throughout the vast majority of places on the net. I only have two rules concerning them. The first is that they contain no language that is offensive solely for the sake of being offensive. The second is standard. Signature files must not be over 6 lines long. I would prefer that they be kept to 4 lines. I didn't want to deal with this originally, but there were too many posts in the first few days with one or two lines of original commentary and 10+ lines of advertising disguised as a sig. One post had NO commentary and 16 lines of advertising. Sigs of more than 6 lines will be cut off at the 7th line. Regardless of content. Far too many sigs exceed the net.standard of 4-6 lines. This wastes bandwidth and storage space unnecessarily. And it is ineffective. If your comments are intelligent and useful, and you are respectful of the other members of the group, people will take the content of your sig seriously.
What's a "Snarf" ? Often a person will take a contrary or questioning stance to test an idea. People usually apologise for this in advance, or get defensive about it. Since I feel that this is a valuable way to find the strengths and weaknesses of an idea, and often find that it leads to new and more effective ideas and systems, I decided to create a word for it. The word had to be silly enough that people would notice it, and not get themselves in an uproar over it. Hence, "Snarf". Whenever you see the word "Snarf", it is a signal that the person wants you to know they are suggesting possible problems, and that their intention is to either find a solution, or refine the idea. I personally consider this a valuable enough practice that I have created the Official Biz List Devils Advocate, and dubbed the holder of the position, Sir Snarfalot. The responsibility of the position is simple. Keep us all on our toes. The current holder of the title is Frederick Pearce.
Quoting messages Standard format applies. Please quote only those sections of the message to which your response is relevant. Please do not quote entire messages to respond to only one line. And please, don't quote sigs.
Can we post website reviews ? No. Pointers to specific information are okay. Site reviews are off topic. If you have a business site you wish to have reviewed for inclusion in the Resource Directory or featured in the newsletter, email Da Moderator with the information, and he will look at the site and make the decision.
How about book or software reviews ? Same as above. If you have written a book or program and would like it reviewed, let me know in email and I will ask someone to review it. If you wish a review, be prepared to mail a copy to either myself or one of the volunteer reviewers. If it passes their standards, a review, along with ordering instructions, will be posted to one or both of the sections above.
Who's the funny looking guy in the corner ? That's Methuselurk. He's been here since before dirt was invented, and hasn't said a word. The only one he ever talks to is the bouncer. I hear he's on every list on the net.
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