HWG Business Discussion List FAQ

HTML Writers Guild

31 October 1995

FAQ created by Lee Stral. FAQ maintained by Darren Stalder <torin(at)daft.com>. Please send any comments to Darren. A text version of this FAQ is available from the list archive site. The HTML-ized version is available at the Guild's Web site as well as the list web site. Please also review the Guild's Netiquette FAQ.

1. What is the HWG-Business list?

   The list is the place for Guild members to discuss topics related to the business aspects of HTML and Web services, including corporate administration, marketing, personnel, copyrights, or any other topic that relates to business operations and development.

2. How do I subscribe and unsubscribe?

   To subscribe/unsubscribe, send email to hwg-business-request(at)daft.com.
   In the body of the message, type subscribe to subscribe or unsubscribe to unsubscribe. No other information is needed.

   Please see our Majordomo help file for more involved commands on the list.

3. Is there a digest mode?

   Yes. To subscribe, follow the directions as in the previous question use hwg-business-digest-request(at)daft.com as the address.

   The digest is sent out once a day or when the digest is about 40K, whichever comes first.

4. How do I send a message to the list?

   Send the message to hwg-business(at)daft.com.

5. What types of messages can I send to the list?

   Generally, most messages related to the business of providing HTML and Web services are appropriate. This includes such items as corporate administration, marketing, personnel, copyrights, and any other topic that relates to business operations and development.

   (This is not functional yet)Keep in mind that some topics have been covered in depth already. Before posting, check the list archives. The archives are searchable by subject, and you'll likely find the answer you're looking for more quickly.

6. What types of messages are not appropriate for the list?

   Any and all HTML and Web services technical questions are not allowed on this list. This is the business list. Use the other Guild lists for those.

   In addition, Discussions of pricing issues are not allowed and will be cause for immediate removal from the list and possible revocation of your guild membership.

   Keep these points in mind:

   • The HTML Writers Guild will not suggest or recommend fees/prices/wages, and is not involved in "price-fixing" in any manner.
   • Discussion of rates, what to charge, etc. on the list will be sufficient grounds for immediate unsubscription by the list administrator. Such discussions can lead to criminal charges; just one list member can put us all at risk.
   • If you don't like these policies, don't subscribe to the list.

   Flaming is always inappropriate. Sarcasm, personal attacks, and the like, if they are absolutely necessary, should be taken to private email.

   "I agree," "Me, too," and similar messages do not add to the discussion, and therefore are considered inappropriate.

7. How do I answer a message?

   First, be sure you've checked your current mail and read all the messages in the thread to be sure won't be just repeating something already posted. Then, if your answer changes the subject of the message thread, change the subject header on your reply. When responding to a message from the list, the reply automatically goes to the sender. If you want to reply to the list, you need to manually change the address in the reply's TO: header to hwg-business(at)daft.com.

8. Can I post my resume to the list?

   No. But, as a Guild member, you can submit a profile for inclusion with the member listings on the Guild Web Pages. Note that this is currently being revamped and the new version should be out soon. The current version is read-only.

9. Can I post Jobs Available messages?

   No. Instead, use the Guild's general list, and then only if the job relates to HTML or Web services. Make sure you clearly show your email address for replies. Replies should never go to the list.

10. Can I use the list to advertise?

    No. Advertising on the list is strictly prohibited.

    The only exception to this is a reference to your business in your signature.

11. My mail keeps bouncing back. How can I fix it?

    Here are some things you can do to make sure mail does not bounce:

    • Make sure you post to the list from the same account that you originally subscribed from. This is especially important for those of you who use .forward files.
    • Ensure that your mailbox/mail spool is configured to hold a lot of mail. In some cases, list administrators have received "quota exceeded" messages from a number of sites.
    • Unsubscribe from the list before you go on vacation or take a trip. This will prevent both exceeded quota messages and sending "I'm on vacation" messages back to the list.

    By remembering these three points, 99% of the mail problems can be eliminated, making a "low noise" and enjoyable list.

12. I am no longer getting hwg-business e-mail but I get this bounces e-mail once a day. What happened?

    At some point, your mail was bouncing unrecoverably and you were moved to the bounces list. This includes but isn't limited to the following errors: host unknown, user unknown, quota or mail configuration problems for more than two days. If your mail has recovered (It must've since you are receiving the bounces mail.), you can follow the directions in the mail to get yourself off the bounces list and back on the hwg-business list.

13. What if I still have problems?

    If you have a subscription or administrative problem with the list, send email to owner-hwg-business(at)daft.com.

    If that still causes you problems, send mail to: owner-majordomo(at)daft.com.

URL: /faqs/hwg-bus-faq.html

Copyright © 1996 by the HTML Writers Guild.
Please see our legal statement.

This page is maintained by: Darren Stalder owner-hwg-business(at)hwg.org
Last update: 3 Nov 1996 by: Gerald Oskoboiny