Conservative Friend

--Be tolerant. Remember that someone's poorly worded phrase may be the result of innocent misunderstanding or unfamiliarity with English (we have members around the world).  Give other list members the benefit of the doubt, and don't respond to challenges from someone having a bad day.  And remember that not everybody with useful things to say will share even the most basic assumptions about what you believe.

--Be thoughtful.  Take some time to let a message season before you send it.  An hour might be long enough for some posts.  For others, maybe a day, or even longer.  Don't reply immediately to a post that you read.  There may be a message maturing from someone else that might pertain to your own response and make it better.

--Be concise. Your readers will appreciateyour extra effort. But feel free to take as much space as you need to express an idea.  Too short is often confusing.

--Be welcoming.  We have many list members who are new to Friends, and who may not immediately understand something that seems clear to others.  Be prepared for the same questions over and over.  And be prepared for diverse points of view.

--Avoid sending clutter and spam.

--Be discreet.  Forums are full of people who prefer to remain anonymous or who use pseudonyms, for various reasons.  Sometimes their reasons are very good.  Millions of people potentially can read whatever you write(and we hope they do), so respect anonymity and confidentiality if people want it that way.  By the same token, don't post anything that you would rather not read in the newspaper next to your photograph.

Thanks.