Forum Guidelines

The CDIO Communications Forum is administered by the list manager/moderator who controls the subscriber list and controls the flow and direction of topics within the forum.

The CDIO Communications Forum is only as robust as you make it! To have the best chance of making this a beneficial forum for all CDIO authorized users, please follow these guidelines:

  • Do take your time in posting your first message to the group. Do consider lurking for a few weeks and do read the list archives to get a feel for the group.
  • Don't send a long personal introduction or biography to the list when you first join. Keep it simple and short!
  • Do use a signature (sig) file to help identify yourself and provide some insight into who you are. Signature files are the several lines of text that your email software attaches to the end of all your email. Sig files usually contain your name, your affiliation, and your contact information.
  • Don't post your emails in ALL CAPS. Capitalization is used for emphasis in email discussion groups, and all caps is the equivalent to shouting.
  • Do write and edit your emails to the group carefully, especially when you are new to the discussion.
  • Don't attempt to attach files when sending a message to the group. And don't try any other fancy formatting (such as bolding, underlining, etc.), as many mail readers cannot properly display this type of formatting.
  • Do consider emailing specific members of the list directly, rather than sending a message meant for just a few to the entire list. (Do this practice when sending a personal message or response, requesting specific information, etc.)
  • Don't jump into heated discussions (and many of the discussions are often heated) until you are an accepted member of the group.
  • Do keep your messages as concise and relevant to the group as possible.
  • Don't be too strong or forceful in your early messages, and don't be demanding or pushy.
  • Do showcase your knowledge and insights.
  • Do be respectful and tolerant of others' ideas and opinions.
  • Don't be afraid to ask for help from the group.
  • Do be pleasant and polite -- and avoid sarcasm as much as possible (to avoid being misunderstood).
  • Do build a relationship with individual members (or the entire group). And once you've established a relationship, do begin strengthening and nurturing it.
  • Don't just be a user; do try to help other group members whenever possible. Networking should be mutually beneficial in the long run.
  • Do consider starting your own discussion group thread if the need arises. If a discussion thread gets too long, or you can't find a thread for your specific interests, consider starting one yourself.