I'd think the only rule is 1. engage the interest of the list. Abigail's question is obviously an excellent example of writing an effective question to a list - given the responses that it generated. Marj Dr Marjorie Kibby, Senior Lecturer in Communication & Culture Faculty of Education and Arts The University of Newcastle, Callaghan NSW 2308 Australia Marj.Kibby@newcastle.edu.au +61 2 49216604

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Barry Wellman <wellman@chass.utoronto.ca> 12/10/06 1:24 PM >>> 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:

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Hi all, I am writing about the internet and its effects on time. I was

wondering

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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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