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Participants - your most valuable resources

© Chris McClean

Common courtesy I've noticed is never seen as promotion among discussion lists. If you operate your own discussion list I urge you to promote courtesy. I belong to many lists and when I pose a question that gets answered, I show appreciation privately and sometimes publicly (if allowed by the moderator) for the help that was provided. I've also been on the other end offering suggestions and solutions to people's problems. The one thing that gets to me is that some people ask questions, get the answers and then do not thank the person for offering their help. This can cause helpers to clam up, not offer their experiences in solving problems and eventually your discussion list dries up because of lack of participation.

Think about those times where you've been to a business and they've offered helpful assistance. If someone you know is in the same predicament, you will be inclined to tell them about the business where you received help. It's the same with discussion lists. It's even more important online since there are so many lists to choose from. It would be difficult to attract and retain subscribers to your list if it is a ghost town with everyone asking questions and no one offering help. A simple thank you goes a long way to building your subscriber list. If you don't see someone offering their thanks, then you the owner-moderator must step in to offer your appreciation of this participant. If people are not appreciated they will ceast to help. If there is no help then there is no reason to read your discussion list since, it is just people wanting a handout.

Helpful subscribers will cease to exist and will not recommend your discussion list due to the lack of reciprocity and simple politeness.

There many newsletters and a few with courteous followers and moderators who pay attention to gratitude. Please remember the participants in your list are the most valuable resources you have.

Resources

1. This site offers a general list of guidelines for operating your mailing list - http://list-etiquette.com/

2. Discussion List Protocols and Etiquette http://web.inter.nl.net/users/jvleliev/l...

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