Re: Trouble with Approved line

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Kent Landfield (kent@landfield.com)
Tue, 23 Sep 1997 08:28:23 -0500 (CDT)


# Because postings to moderated newsgroups have to be authorized, and because
# *.answers are moderated, the FAQ software has to insert the info.

Yes it does.

# Anyone paying attention to postings appearing in their newsgroup should
# see this on a regular basis from any of the items being posted - if they
# flamed you, then obviously they haven't a clue to how usenet really works.

No. This is where I disagree. I know how Usenet works :) and I would be
extremely upset if someone started posting an FAQ in my newsgroup without
my permission first. That is what happened here. If David had asked all
the moderators first he probably would have received an OK. Then it would
not have come as a suprise and iritated the moderators.

# On the other hand, it _would_ be a useful thing to mention in the FAQs about
# FAQs type document - perhaps even suggesting that a 'warning shot' be fired
# posting to the various groups letting them know one is about to begin
# posting a FAQ and that because of usenet's nature, the msg will be
# automatically approved. Perhaps even a boilerplate message (where
# one fills in the blanks before posting) could be formed...

Warning shot ? If someone is going to post an FAQ to a moderated group you'd
better get permission from each individual moderator or be prepared for the
flamage and net.fallout. And rightfully so. The moderator is suppose to
have final OK over what appears in their newsgroup. Just because you write
up an FAQ and submit it to news.answers does not mean you can run roughshod
over any moderated newsgroup you want. Ask first. Chances are they will be
happy to allow it.

I think David's suggestion about adding a warning to the introduction to
news.answers is a good one. This is a problem that a new FAQ author
should be aware of.

Thanks for the suggestion David. This is how the process gets better.

-- 
Kent Landfield                        Phone: 1-817-545-2502             
The Landfield Group                   FAX:   1-817-545-7650             
Email: kent@landfield.com             http://www.landfield.com/
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