[Nottingham] Email Format - question

[James Moore]

On 12/07/2012 21:54, Jason Irwin wrote:
> === Preamble ===
> I don't want to try and tell people how to suck eggs, so you can skip
> this bit if the word "Netiquette" has any meaning to you.
>
> Back in the day when Usenet was king, there was a concept called
> "Netiquette" and it covered the basic mores of how to communicate without
> SHOUTING ALL THE TIME and so on.  When mailing lists and other things
> started up, it got carried over but as seems to have passed into
> obscurity.  Also, devices/services have changed so what it once
> recommended may no long be appropriate.
>
> === The Notts G/LUG ===
> With everyone using many different styles/conventions I often find it
> takes a moment to figure out what the actual message is (that may just be
> me being a thicky).  I also wonder what happens in the digest, does the
> HTML come through OK?
>
> I realise that asking this may start a flame war (a bit like asking a
> coder if one should indent with tabs or spaces*), but what do you guys 'n
> gals think should the "style" on the list?  If any?
>
> My personal little list would be:
> 1) Text only (if possible)
> 2) Only quote relevant parts, not whole tracts
> 3) DON'T SHOUT
> 4) Be polite, and use emoticons to add meaning where text is not enough.
>
> I've left out top-quote/bottom-post as different devices kinda lend
> themselves to different things.
>
> I don't think a long list of "Thou shall not" directives with a "List
> Police" will get anyone anywhere, but maybe a short list of "If at all
> possible, please..."
>
> What do you think?  Would it help or am I just being a fascist pig?
>
I bottom post where possible, inline where I deem necessary, and (for 
once the client did it automatically this time) try and clip sigs. I 
save top posting for unicasts. :)

jm