Wow, Barry. I think we're in the same place, although I would describe it differently. Your "Quick Guide" is: "1. Be specific as to content and need. 2. Lurk on the list for a while to get a sense of its style. 3. Try to post something else first, so that you are contributing as well as asking for information." -- As co-editor of one of the longest continuously-transmitting email newsletters ("SCUP Email News," since 1987) and administrator of one of the best email discussion lists (UWEBD, University and College Webmasters), I would like to also note that the more specific and pragmatic the focus of the list, the more active it will be. Barry Wellman wrote:
I'm gearing up to write a book on writing for the social scientists.
I want to put in something about how to write in listservs, chat groups, IM, etc.
I was struck this week by Abigail's Q (see below) which I thought was a good example on how NOT to answer a question, because it was so broadly framed: what is it about time that Abigail is interested in? (dissertation advising manta).
Yet, I have been struck by how much interesting discussion Abigail's Q has evoked. For one thing, there ain't much on time (altho did anyone mention Evitar Zeruvabel?), so anything might be worthwhile. Second, the broadness of the Q seems to have served as a projective test -- evoking a variety of responses.
So, I am lead to wonder and to ask: what tips do people have for posting to lists?
My quick guide is:
1. Be specific as to content and need.
2. Lurk on the list for a while to get a sense of its style.
3. Try to post something else first, so that you are contributing as well as asking for information.
PS: I'd like to endorse Frank Thomas' request for evidence on Virillo's conjectures.
Barry Wellman _____________________________________________________________________
Barry Wellman S.D. Clark Professor of Sociology NetLab Director Centre for Urban & Community Studies University of Toronto 455 Spadina Avenue Toronto Canada M5S 2G8 fax:+1-416-978-7162 wellman at chass.utoronto.ca http://www.chass.utoronto.ca/~wellman for fun: http://chass.utoronto.ca/oldnew/cybertimes.php _____________________________________________________________________
On 12/7/06, Abigail Groves wrote:
Hi all, I am writing about the internet and its effects on time. I was
wondering
if anyone could suggest some readings on this topic?
Thanks,
Abigail Groves
PhD Candidate National Centre in HIV Social Research University of NSW http://nchsr.unsw.edu.au
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