FAQ - biz.ecommerce -
Chris Gunn
(Moderated)
Frequently Asked Questions
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Charter: Biz.ecommerce is for the discussion of topics concerning Internet
retailers. Blatant ads are not allowed. The recommending of a
product or service within a current topic is allowed by anyone as
long as it contributes to the thread. Cross-posted messages will
not be accepted by the moderator. It is the moderator's sole
responsibility and unquestioned authority to ensure that articles
adhere to the charter.
Q: Is advertising for products and services allowed on biz.ecommerce?
A: Advertising is not allowed on biz.ecommerce. Ads should be posted in
the
biz.marketplace.* groups that are not designated for discussion or in
other hierarchies.
Although some groups may be for advertising, the best way to get a
reader's attention is through a good discussion thread. Very few will
buy a magazine just to read advertising. It's the interesting articles
that get pages turned and TV channels tuned.
Q: What happens if I ignore the rules and try to post advertising to
biz.ecommerce?
A: The biz.ecommerce newsgroup is moderated by Christopher G. Gunn.
The Usenet News mechanism at both the user interface and transport
level does not permit posting or propagation of an article without
the moderators approval. Instead, it E-Mails them to the moderator's
address for approval and posting.
Q: If my messages are rejected, how will I know why?
A: Whenever possible, the moderators will respond to rejected messages
explaining the problem. If you use a fake or bogus address, obviously
the moderators can't reach you.
Q: Is there any specific format which messages should follow?
A: Articles should reflect a professional and business like attitude and be
limited to plain text and the upper 128 characters. Messages that
contain
HTML or MIME encoding waste space. Set your margins for a maximum of 76
characters per line so everyone can easily read your posting.
Q: Do all messages have to be in English?
A: Although most of the messages you see on the biz groups are in English,
it's not a requirement. Messages in other languages are welcome if
they can be translated using one of the on-line translation services.
Posting in your language, with a translation in English, will give you
the widest audience.
Q: What's the best way to present my business on the newsgroups?
A: Folks with whom you'd like to be doing business with will make their
decisions based on their impression of your messages. During a
discussion, you may read messages from someone who has an opinion
totally different from yours. Feel free to discuss the difference of
opinion but try to avoid getting hurt feelings involved. You will be
asked to use E-Mail if messages are personal attacks or the language
belongs elsewhere.
Messages are expected to come from legitimate addresses. Attempts to
avoid E-Mail responses and anonymous messages are not a good business
practice. We also encourage the use of real names in From lines rather
than funny handles or trying use it as advertising.
Q: How can I advertise without getting into trouble?
A: Some biz newsgroups do accept advertising. Don't go by the messages
you see. Check the charters to be sure and what you wish to promote
fits within the topic area before posting. For the "biz" hierarchy in
general, please refer to the biz meta-FAQ posted on biz.config
periodically by Ed Hew, the biz Newsgroup Authority. All of the biz
FAQ's are available from http://www.bizynet.com/FAQ-Indx.htm along
with many other articles to help your marketing efforts.
We hope you find the biz groups both enjoyable and profitable,
Chris Gunn
cg...@bizynet.com