HP3000/HP 3000 FAQ

Last Updated: Thursday, February 01, 2007 02:38 PM

HP3000-L Netiquette

1.4. Netiquette

CB
Netiquette (network talk for Network Etiquette) are guidelines for proper "behavior" among networkers. There are exhaustive lists of DOs and DON'Ts available elsewhere, but for the most part they are all just common courtesy. In communications on the network you will encounter people that both agree with your point of view, and those that may (sometimes vehemently) disagree. Courtesy demands that we treat each others opinions with respect, and though differing opinions are welcome (and often help to educate), foul language, personal attacks, or other rude behavior (referred to as 'flames') are neither necessary nor welcome. Likewise, responding to 'flames' usually merely incite more, and are a waste of the networks' bandwidth.

Off topic posts (anything not related to the HP3000) should have an "OT:" at the beginning of the subject of the message. (That is an Oh-Tee Colon -- don't leave off the colon!). This allows members not interested in off-topic posts to filter them; in fact the listserv lets individual subscribers select whether they want OT: messages even delivered to them.

1.4.1. Commonly used acronyms/abbreviations/smileys/emoticons

CB
As 'network communication' traditionally lacks the 'personal touch' and human expressions so important in personal communications, you may also see network mini-expressions mixed with text (also referred to as 'smileys'), intended to impart some sense of the emotion of the sender. Little 'smiles' ( :-) a smiling face as viewed when you turn your head to the left) are intended to impart humor, winks ";-)" are intended to impart off-the-collar remarks or wisecracks, and a variety of others will be seen in messages. "8-)" surprise, ":-(" frowns, ":^)" tongue-sticking out, etc. When in doubt, look at them sideways and use some imagination!

  Some common abbreviations:

  BOF    - "Birds of a Feather" - groups of users with common interest
  BTW    - By the way
  FAQ    - Frequently asked Questions
  FWIW   - For what its worth                                            JP
  FYI    - For your information
  IMHO   - In my humble opinion
  IMNSHO - In my (not so) humble opinion
  OTOH   - On the other hand...                                          JP
  RFC    - Request for Comments (the documents that define/decide Internet
           standards
  ROTFL  - Rolling on the floor laughing                                 CB
  RTFM   - Read the (bleep) manual
  RUG    - Regional Users' Group
  SIG    - signature file (name/contact info) appended to messages
         - also Special Interest Group (common among HP users - most
           SIGs are sponsored by Interex or local users' groups)
  TTFN   - Ta ta for now                                                 JeB
  YMMV   - Your mileage may vary                                         JB

1.4.2. Posting job listings

CB
Is posting job ads on the HP3000-L ok?

Generally, short ads posted infrequently are tolerated on the list. Many listers have requested that such ads give minimal details - but preferably include salary guidelines (since most interested parties seem to key on these details!). A URL in the listing pointing to more detailed information is also preferable.

Especially since the announcement of the discontinuance of the HP3000 by HP, HP3000 related job postings are increasingly welcome on the list.