It has come to the co-mothers' attention that LACTNET is suffering (we hope
that is the correct word) from a surfeit of many many new posters.
Possibly a reflection of Holiday gifts being modems, new computers, on-line
service connections, happy people posting a lot?  : )

In any case, as a result, we are seeing many many posts about topics that
have been discussed numerous times ALREADY.  We encourage all new members
of LACTNET to please do the following BEFORE they post to the entire group
of more than 2300 people.

a) Go to the archives for discussions of a topic that is currently burning
a hole in your brain
b) RE-read your posts before sending to avoid inadvertently illogical
sentences (neglecting a "not" when that is what you meant, for example,
gives a totally different meaning to what you intended to say); check for
spelling errors. Sometimes they are funny, sometimes they render what you
said unintelligible ("ool" showed up recently; could it have meant "tool",
"pool", "stool", "cool", "wool," or some other word? While we like word
games as much as the next person, consistent incorrect spelling is just
plain rude to the reader.  In addition, if discussing drugs/medications, a
misspelling can be disastrous!); did you MEAN to say something others might
interpret as rude? If so, remove the offending elements.  The reputation of
LACTNET depends on OUR cybermanners--ALL of OUR manners, not just that of
the co-mothers....Please do not contribute to the opinion of a few
naysayers that our list is unprofessional and unuseful.

c) Consider that silence can sometimes be golden.  It is common practice
for new subscribers of LACTNET to post very frequently.  Sometimes this
simply shows that person's lack of up-to-date knowledge re: things
lactational.  We have no problem with persons asking for current
information; however, a review of the ARCHIVES FIRST may provide these
posters with teh information they are seeking without subjecting the rest
of the list to requests for the same information that has been posted
before (nay, MANY times before!).

All of the above can probably be melted down to the following:  THINK
before you POST.

Many thanks for helping us to keep this list "clean" and clinically relevant.

Kathleens

Kathleen B. Bruce, BSN, IBCLC co-owner Lactnet,TLC, Indep. Consultant
Williston, Vermont
mailto:[log in to unmask]
LACTNET Archives http://library.ummed.edu/lsv/archives/lactnet.html