List begun January 7, 1999.

1. What is the purpose of the MacFireWireTalk list?

The MacFireWireTalk list is a forum for Macintosh users to discuss FireWire, FireWire peripherals and its usage as they pertain to the Macintosh.

2. Who sponsors the MacFireWireTalk list?

The Macintosh Guy of Portland <http://www.themacintoshguy.com/> operates the MacFireWireTalk list, which was begun on January 7, 1999 and is sponsored by "Dr. Bott LLC" <http://www.drbott.com>.

3. Is the MacFireWireTalk list only for people with a FireWire capable Mac?

While anyone may subscribe, this list will be most helpful to those using or considering the purchase of FireWire devices.

4. How does this email list work?

Anyone who has access to Internet email may subscribe to the MacFireWireTalk list using the administrative mailing address for the list software <macjordomo@themacintoshguy.com> with the appropriate command. Subscribers will receive a copy of every message sent to the posting address for the list. If you wish to respond, post, or otherwise have your words sent to everyone on the list, send email, either by replying the message to which you are responding or sending a new email, to <FireWire@themacintoshguy.com>.

The list management program is set up so selecting "Reply" in your emailer will send a message to the entire list. If you wish to respond individually to the sender of the message, be sure to address your message accordingly. There should be no need to copy messages to both the author and the list.

5. What is netiquette?

There are informal rules of the internet which are termed "netiquette" to help people use proper etiquette within this form of communication. Some examples of poor netiquette are not to signing messages, unsubscribing by sending mail to the posting address instead of the administrative address, or TYPING IN ALL CAPS, (which is considered yelling). This is a dynamic environment and netiquette is changing rapidly.

Some informal rules for this list

* Remember that replies automatically go to the entire list. To respond to an individual, see the directions for your email software.

* Never send attachments to the list. An attachment may contain a virus, may be in a format others cannot use, may not make it through some mail gateways, and will bog down both the list server and the mail server. (Large enough attachments will choke the list server.)

* Don't send styled text or HTML files, just plain text. (My rule of thumb: if it's not in the body of the text, I won't read it.)

* Please quote only the relevant portion of messages you respond to -- and please quote some of the original message so others know what you're responding to.

* Please keep "me too" and "agreed" messages off the list; these are best sent privately.

* When asking a question, please list relevant information on the hardware, software, and version of the Mac OS involved.

* When responding to a digest post, please change the subject to match that of the original message.

* You can wander into other Mac topics, but the primary focus is the Macintosh FireWire and its use.

* Please keep signature lines concise, preferably 6 lines or less.

* Macjordomo is set to wrap lines at 80 characters, so check that your sig won't wrap badly because of this. (Just look at your posts to see if this is a problem.)

* Although subscribers may offer specific equipment and services to the list or share an exceptional bargain they have discovered, explicitly commercial postings are prohibited. Any address or domain posting such will be blocked.

* Treat your list neighbor as you wish to be treated. Address breaches of netiquette privately, not on the list. Assume the best, not the worst.

6. How do you subscribe to the MacFireWireTalk list?

Send e-mail to <macjordomo@themacintoshguy.com>

The subject line is ignored, but the text of the message should read:

subscribe MacFireWireTalk Your Name

Entering your name is optional; spaces and punctuation are permitted. Digest mode has been enabled; the digest is sent once per day or when it reaches a certain size. To switch from individual messages to the daily digest, send email to <macjordomo@themacintoshguy.com>. Your message should read:

set MacFireWireTalk digest

If you have problems switching modes, email <listmom@themacintoshguy.com>. Be sure to specify which list you're writing about, since I maintain several.

7. How can I remove my name from the MacFireWireTalk list?

Send email to <macjordomo@themacintoshguy.com> with the following text in the body of the message:

unsubscribe MacFireWireTalk

If you have problems unsubscribing, email <listmom@themacintoshguy.com>.

8. Who is on the list? How can I get a copy of the e-mail addresses on the list?

List member names and addresses will be kept strictly confidential and will not be released to anyone.

9. What topics may be discussed?

Anything relating to the FireWire on the Macintosh, including troubleshooting, products, and software. The MacFireWireTalk list is an unmoderated open list. Unmoderated means messages are sent to the list without prior review by the list mom; open means anyone subscribed to the list may post.

To combat SPAM, the list server has been set to only allow posting by those subscribed to the list. The list mom also reserves the right to block any individual email account or domain or close any subscriber's account.

10. What tone is expected in the discussion and who will facilitate this?

I hope this will become a kind and helpful community. Since Mac users range from beginners to gurus, please be tolerant of "dumb" questions.

11. Is there an accessible archive of messages sent to the list?

Sort of. You need to understand the intricacies of Macjordomo to search the archived list digests. For more information, see A Subscriber's Guide to Macjordomo.

12. I subscribed, but get no messages. What's up?

It is possible to successfully subscribe with an incorrect email address. I check all bounced messages to determine why they bounced. If the address is invalid, I delete it from the subscriber list. If the problem is temporary, like a full mailbox, I'll keep the address on the list for a while, then delete it if the problem isn't resolved. If it is bounced by your mail server, I will attempt to contact your postmaster -- and copy the message to you.

Of course, since there's a problem with the email address, there may be no way I can contact you to tell you of the problem. :-(

I take a hard line against unsolicited commercial email. Everything possible will be done to combat SPAM.

13. What other Internet resources are available for the MacFireWireTalk?

Currently the best place for information about FireWire are the number of Mac news and information sites that track FireWire information.

14. Do you have any policies about selling products or services on the list?

I've learned that some of the experts on any list gain their expertise professionally. For instance, I am a Macintosh consultant and Reseller. For those who make a living selling equipment or services, we have the following guidelines.

a. List members may mention the availability of commercial services or products on the list, but no prices. (Individuals may list personal equipment with prices.)

b. All correspondence regarding services or products should be conducted privately, not on the list.

c. Neither the publisher nor the list mom makes any claim regarding services or products offered by members of the list.

Eric Prentice

The Macintosh Guy of Portland

eric@themacintoshguy.com