quoting

[Guest guest]

Here's some background on why it's important to quote SELECTIVELY rather

than reposting entire messages. Internet etiquette (called netiquette) asks

that people only quote relevant parts of an e-mail message they're responding

to. Many e-mail lists have this as a specific part of their policy. For

example, on the PSG list I belong to the policy says:

 

" 11) When replying to a previous post, it is common to quote part of it.

However, please quote only the part that is necessary. (Chop that extra stuff

mercilessly before sending the message!!!!) "

or as the administrator of another list put it:

" Thou shalt edit any quoted text down to the minimum thou needest. "

 

If, for example, a person writes 3 new lines and quotes a 110 line

original message that may mean that up to several hundred people have to

waste time skipping, skipping down to try to find the next " new " stuff. If

two quoted lines were enough to tell what the person is responding to, then

with regard to what was quoted:

* The computer server is having to store FIFTY TIMES

more information than is necessary.

* For every 100 people who are rs to the list,

the Internet is having to transmit FIVE THOUSAND

TIMES more information than is necessary.

* Other people on the list are having to wade through

FIFTY TIMES more old information than they should have to.

 

In e-mail programs there should be an option to turn off the quoting of

entire messages. It's a good idea to find that option and turn it off. Example

********************************************************

HOW TO TURN OFF COMPLETE MESSAGE QUOTING

WHEN USING MICROSOFT OUTLOOK EXPRESS

* On the main screen click on the tools drop down menu.

* On the drop down choices, click on options

* You'll see a bunch of tabs; select the preferences tab.

* Click E-mail options

* On the page that shows up you'll see a box with a description above it that

says:

" When replying to a message "

* Click on the open window below that description to reveal the choices.

* Select the choice: " Do not include original message "

* click OK

* click OK

********************************************************

 

Most e-mail programs have some simple procedure to help making selective

quoting easier. An example is to define what you want to quote as a block and

then click on a button that says " Reply " . What you want to quote will

automatically be inserted into your new message.

 

Another simple way to quote is to copy the text you want to quote and

paste it into the new message. If you need help with learning how to copy and

paste, just ask. Many experienced computer users, including me, will be happy

to help.

 

Rich Putman in MN

 

Sign in the front yard of a Funeral Home: " Drive carefully; we'll wait. "