On Mon, 18 Jan 2010 08:39:23 -0600, Michel Boucher wrote:

> Melba's Jammin' > wrote in news:barbschaller-
> :
>
>> In article
>> >,
>> ImStillMags > wrote:
>>
>>> So, Hi. I'm hoping this board will become a favorite and a place
>>> where I can have conversations with like minded foodies.
>>
>> Don't hold your breath, but if you want to be regarded as an
>> improvement to the group, don't start any off-topic threads and try not
>> to get hooked into them. That can be difficult, I know.
>
> And don't let anyone tell you there are rules. This is an unmoderated
> newsgroup, possibly one of the oldest, and as such these suggestions
> above are nothing more than that and have no more force than that.
>
> That being said, you CAN paticipate in off-topic conversations if such is
> your desire. The only thing that a poster who disagrees with you can do
> is killfile you, which means they won't see your posts.
>
> But nonetheless, here are a few broad guidelines:
>
> 1. You will most likely do better if you refrain from using foul
> language, although sometimes foul language is acceptable. Know the
> difference.
>
> 2. If you don't like the topic, don't open the post. That is in effect
> the only rule and you are entirely responsible for whatever happens after
> that. No one will have any pity for you if you whine afterwards about
> what you read.
>
> 3. It's usually a faux pas of sorts to feed the trolls unless you are
> counting coup :-) Trolls, contrary to some opinions, are not people you
> (or others) merely disagree with, they are people who post disruptive
> messages so they can say they "made you look". Around here, a common
> troll would be a reference to cooking human flesh or some such thing. On
> a .physics group, it could be posting chemistry formulas and posting pro-
> Nazi comments on a .jewish group. A troll with self-respect will make
> sure his post is geared to the particular newsgroup. Nothing is more
> embarassing than a troll who targets a group with a message that is
> intended for another.
>
> People here will try to mould you into a perfect little rfc'er. Don't
> let them. Be bold, be interesting, get into it, even if it's politics or
> religion or woodworking. Feel free to provide supporting comments on any
> topic of your choice. Threads degenerate anyway. The more interesting
> discussions are usually not about cooking but about attitudes.
>
> Oh, and there are long-standing acrimonious debates and enmities here. I
> suggest you let those play out before you step in the middle saying:
> Can't we all just get along?? Because the simple answer is no, we can't,
> this is why the gods invented killfiles. Learn to use them.
>
> 4. Don't take anything personally. You're here to have fun and if you're
> not having fun then you need to reassess your approach.
>
> 5. Try to edit your replies (as I have done) and to avoid top posting.
> Some people here killfile top posters.
>
> Go forth, grasshopper...

this is a pretty good set of advice. my hat's off to you, michel.

your pal,
blake