Rules for Collaboration on an Open Source Mailing List ###################################################### Follow these rules to effectively use the mailing list and get as much feedback as possible on your work. * Use the mailing list as much as possible. * Learn the rules. * Read the archives if in doubt. * Choose a meaningful subject line. * Ask questions and write to the subject matter experts directly and CC the mailing list. * Before doing any large coding work, send a design document with your proposed changes to the mailing list. This will save you from losing time implementing a solution that the community may reject. * Write briefly and to the point but give enough context for someone to respond without recreating your thought process. * Be persistent if you are not getting a response but be measured. * Write a separate email each work item. If they are connected, say so in each email. * Don't rehash old issues. * Only reply if you can provide new information or a new perspective. Avoid "me-too" posts. * When replying in-line to a mail that was CC'ed to the list, trim out unnecessary context between replies and at the end of your mail. * Do not use capital letters to emphasize a point. * Make sure your lines are between 72 to 76 characters long. References ********** * General info: + http://linux.sgms-centre.com/misc/netiquette.php + http://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc1855.txt + http://www.infradead.org/~dwmw2/email.html + http://www.arm.linux.org.uk/mailinglists/etiquette.php #e3 + http://lifehacker.com/5473859/basic-etiquette-for-emai l-lists-and-forums * Reasons why top posting considered harmful: + https://lkml.org/lkml/2005/1/11/111 + http://www.dickgaughan.co.uk/usenet/guide/faq08-topp.html + http://www.mail-archive.com/brin-l@coollist.com/msg00178.html