BRETHREN-L Archives

From: James Shuman <>
Subject: [BRE] ***BRETHREN LIST, PLEASE READ!***
Date: Sat, 5 Jun 2004 21:14:04 -0500

It has been suggested by list members that the GUIDELINES of this
Brethren Genealogy/ History Forum be repeated to all list members at
frequent intervals. These GUIDELINES are sent to every new user when
they first subscribe. They are sent in the form of the "Welcome
Message." In keeping with the request we will hereafter send them to
the entire list of subscribers approximately every two months.


============== OUR GUIDELINES FOLLOW ==============

PURPOSE AND USE

The purpose of the BRETHREN List is to explore and share Brethren
related genealogy and/or history. Since its creation 9 May 1996 this
List has been user-driven rather than moderator-controlled. The
richness and variety of topics discussed is a tribute to the more
than 600 members from all geographic areas and religious backgrounds
who ask questions and share answers.

The term "Brethren" as used here alludes to all persons and places
that now, or in the past, have any type of connection to the church
groups that descend from the movement started by the Alexander Mack
group during 1708 at Schwarzenau, Germany. Among others, names
associated with this group include Tunker; Dunkard; German Baptist;
Church of the Brethren; Dunkard Brethren; Grace Brethren; and Old
German Baptist Brethren. This list does NOT include information and
discussion of the United Brethren or Brethren in Christ groups.

Because this list is for the discussion of Brethren history and
genealogy, care should be taken not to engage in discussion of such
"off-topic" concerns as computer software, or general research
methods. This is not to say that such things can not be mentioned;
however, it is best if after the initial question and reply, further
exchanges on such topics are sent privately rather then to everyone
on the Brethren List.

Likewise, although questions of past customs and practices among the
Brethren groups are welcome, this list is not intended as a place for
the advocacy, criticism or comparison of religious doctrines.

Further, be careful when including obituaries that they are in
response to a request for genealogical information, or that the
individual was a prominent member of the Brethren community. Please
do NOT post obituaries of recently-deceased individuals on this list.

Feel free to post as many Brethren-related queries as you wish. If
you are not sure that they are Brethren-related but think they may
be, go ahead and submit them. Brethren family and church related
histories are also welcome.


THOUGHTFUL LIST PRACTICES

1. As long as the topic is related to Brethren genealogy or history,
you are encouraged to ANSWER ON THIS LIST rather than by private
e-mail. In that way others with similar questions or knowledge may
see your interest and join in.

2. Please remember to UPDATE THE SUBJECT LINES OF YOUR MESSAGES.
Many people scan only the subject lines for topics that catch their
interest. The subject line is the statement in the header of your
message that tells what the message is about. For example in this
message it is "***BRETHREN LIST, PLEASE READ!***"

3. EDIT REPLIES JUDICIOUSLY to reduce the amount that is being quoted
from a previous message. It is often helpful to see a sentence or two
-- or even an entire paragraph, if pertinent -- but others don't need
to re-read the entire original message before they get to your reply!
Likewise, snip off the taglines at the bottom of the previous message.

4. While we encourage the Brethren virtues of "caring and sharing,"
we must request that you REFRAIN FROM SENDING A 'THANK YOU' MESSAGE
to the list unless it contains new material that you are sharing. A
simple thanks for what you have received should be sent privately.

5. EDIT YOUR SIGNATURE LINE! The words and phrases following a
signature sometimes contain more text than the message itself! A
general rule of thumb is to have no more than three lines following
your name, and to include only information relevant to the list you
are addressing.


A FEW FORBIDDEN THINGS

Depending on the nature of the incident, individuals who engage in
any of the following actions will receive a warning from the BRETHREN
administrator, and may, in severe or repeated instances, have their
posting privileges revoked.

1. DISRESPECT. Most persons interested in genealogy are very helpful
and caring people; however for the occasional "contrarian" the
following is included: quarreling, soap-boxing, foul language,
flaming, etc will not be tolerated.

2. SOCIAL AND/OR POLITICAL ADVOCACY. While it is rare that an entire
message is posted that is this far "off-topic," people sometimes
forget that their signature lines may contain statements of such a
nature. Remember the purpose and intent of this list does not include
such controversy-inducing topics.

3. VIOLATIONS of RootsWeb's ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY. An important point
in the AUP is this: "Content submitted for the purpose of commercial
use, advertising or fee for service is prohibited." You can find that
sentence in its context by going to
http://www.rootsweb.com/rootsweb/aup.html and scrolling down to the
paragraph which begins with the sub-head "User-Provided Content."

This kind of violation most generally occurs when a subscriber who is
author of a book refers to his/her own publication in a message,
providing the details for ordering copies. If you cite your own work
in answering a question someone else has posted, there is no
objection to your mentioning that you are the author of the book, but
we must request that you make no mention of price or publisher. A
simple "contact me privately for further details if interested" is
acceptable.

4. POSTING GENERAL NOTICES AND WARNINGS. The world of e-mail is
filled with many kinds of general messages and warnings. Such
messages are not appropriate here no matter how well-intentioned.
This is especially true for virus warnings: most of those you receive
are hoaxes, your moderators are in nearly-continuous contact with
other List administrators and RootsWeb staff, and they will make
announcements to the List if they feel there is urgent need to notify
everyone.

Should you personally feel concerned by any message you receive from
the Brethren List, you are welcome to send a private message to any
of the moderators, explaining the situation, and requesting
assistance.


VIRUS CONCERNS

People are frequently concerned about receiving a virus from this
list, but it is SIMPLY NOT POSSIBLE. As part of the RootsWeb network,
the Brethren List sends all of its messages in "plain text" only, in
addition to refusing to accept attachments. This prevents the spread
of virii by mailing lists.

Unfortunately, several different virii have been designed to
automatically "reply" to messages which arrived from the List
(sometimes messages weeks or months old) so that it APPEARS as if it
is coming from the List.

But rest assured, genuine Brethren List messages are virus-free.


HOW THIS LIST WORKS

It is important that you take note that the Brethren List is set up
to automatically send all messages sent to it back to a return e-mail
address of <>. But sometimes that fails,
particularly if you click the "Reply Button" on your screen. Watch
the "SEND TO" and "REPLY TO" lines in the header of your outgoing
message and be sure they read

We also ask that if you use "carbon-copy" or "forwarded" messages to
the Brethren List, you do so with extreme moderation. Further, you
can not send attached files over the list. If you need to send
attached files, you must send them to a person's private e-mail
address. Mail containing attachments is rejected by RootsWeb.

If for whatever reason you want your message to go out to a private
e-mail address, then change the "SEND TO" line in the header of your
message before you send it.


SUBSCRIPTION PROBLEMS

The RootsWeb list server is set up to automatically drop your
subscription from its list if messages sent to your address start
bouncing (can not get to you) for any reason. Examples include: your
mailbox is full and won't take anymore messages, or your Internet
Service Provider has slightly changed your e-mail address or has had
an equipment failure, or any number of other reasons.

If this happens, it is not a reflection on you in any way. It is just
the way the RootsWeb server works. Just sign back on by sending a
message to <> with ONLY the word
Subscribe in the subject line and in the body of the message. In a
few cases, it may be necessary -- at least temporarily -- to
subscribe with a different e-mail address, until the problems can be
worked out.

In order to unsubscribe send a message to the same address using the
same process but change the word in the subject line and message body
to: UNSUBSCRIBE

As a last resort, contact the Moderator at
<> and explain the problem you are having,
and what help you need.


CONTACTING A MODERATOR

As much as possible, this List is governed with a very loose hand,
and is open for suggestion at all times. Suggestions should be sent
e-mail to: <> and not directly to the
List. If such suggestions seem to have merit they may be put into use.

Most of the time, you are not aware of the Moderator's presence, but
be assured that every message is read and, when necessary, acted
upon. In keeping with the Brethren way, however, even these cases are
generally taken care of via private message.

If for any reason you need assistance with the daily operation of
this list and after a few hours have received no response from a
message sent to <>, you may contact one of
the group's co-moderators:

James Shuman <>
Gale E. Honeyman <>
Ron McAdams <>
Joe Bosserman <>


BRETHREN WEB SITE

We also call your attention to a Brethren World Wide Web Page (WWW) at URL:
http://www.cob-net.org/genhis.htm
The page's administrator is Ron Gordon who can be reached at
<>.

Thanks for being with us and for reading this. We suggest that you
keep a copy of this message for future reference.


revised 5 June 2004

This thread:

• [BRE] ***BRETHREN LIST, PLEASE READ!*** by James Shuman <>