Cobirds moderator note - signatures and subject lines

[David Suddjian]

Dear CoBirders,

As we head into the peak of spring migration, with probably lots of posts to the list, here are two points that need attention. 

1. A point of list rules: all CoBirds posts should have a signature line with your full name and city. The actual rule for this Google Group calls for listing your state, too, but this really seems much less necessary... but so easy to do. Many make a consistent effort to include this information, but including a signature line is still regularly overlooked by posters. It is a matter of communication courtesy, and helps to put the report in some context. Plus names are not always evident from email addresses, and sometimes birders post from an email address that list someone else's name (such as a spouse, as most commonly the case). So please give your name and city at least with every post.

2. A point of list etiquette: Please, when appropriate, include a county name in your subject line when reporting birds. This is helpful for readers to place the report. The list has a large number of members, some new, some older, some near and some far. Readers may not be familiar with the location you mention, or may be uncertain of county. If it is not easy to include the county in the subject line (or maybe there are multiple counties), then at least mention the county as you mention the location in the body of the email so it is clear. As always, use good judgement and err on the side of being helpful to the reader.

The official CoBirds "rules of the road" are here:

https://cobirds.org/CFOPage.aspx?pg=2

Thanks everyone,

David Suddjian

CoBirds list moderator

Littleton, CO