Sarah,

glad you like us. I look forward to more posts/pomes/crits. We don't bite -
often, and then only because some things are just too tasty to resist.

How do you manage to be so graceful gliding off stage on one leg? Or can't
you explain with your mouth full?

Your literally,

Terri )O(

-----Original Message-----
From: The Pennine Poetry Works [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On
Behalf Of Sarah Willans
Sent: 05 March 2003 10:18
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: New member - this list and its function for the novice -
Tony


Having started this, I feel I should say here that this seems to me
(admittedly after only a couple of days' observation) to be a commendably
disciplined, courteous list. I have seen no evidence of the off-topic
posting, flaming and other nastiness that some lists are plagued with.

That said, I have tried, and sometimes joined, other lists devoted to
various subjects, and one feature stands out as being particularly helpful
to the newcomer: Some lists use their files area to store information that
everyone who joins the list will need - the sort of general pointers that
Arthur kindly posted for me. I don't know how this list works,  but on
others the attention of all new members is drawn to the 'read this first'
file by means of the message they receive when they sign up, or in text
displayed on the list's 'home' page (probably not the proper term, sorry).
All too often, without some ground rules for guidance, new members fail to
pick up on the established conventions of the group, post what they think is
an acceptable and relevant message, offend an existing member and - bingo -
the fireworks begin! On other occasions, newcomers fail to recognise the
tacit understanding between the 'oldies' about 'how we do things', and step
into the perceived vacuum with ideas of their own. Existing members take
offence at the upstart who has thrust him/herself into their midst and is
trying to teach them to suck eggs and, once again, the fireworks begin. Come
to think of it, that's rather what I'm doing now (bows out gracefully, foot
embedded squarely in mouth).


----- Original Message -----
From: "Tony Hillier" <[log in to unmask]>
Snip

> In what way is it designed to encourage and attract writers who are new to
> the field and especially new to putting their work up for comments and
> commenting on others?
>
> Has a past posting covered this in terms of the basics readers can look
out
> for and comment on?
>