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Bulletin Boards, Listserves and Learning Management Software

Electronic bulletin boards, listserves and Learning Management Software are public forums for discussion and the exchange of information. There are specific guidelines and conventions that govern the posting of messages. Learning management websites include sites like CCNet and WebCT.

When information is posted to a UofT server, all policies of the university apply, including the Code of Student Conduct, the Code of Behaviour on Academic Matters, and policies relating to harassment and discrimination (see below).

Unacceptable Postings include

• Use of profanity, derogatory comments or language that is hostile, inappropriate, demeaning or degrading
• Messages that show disrespect or disregard for others
• Someone else’s intellectual property (copyrights, etc)
• Plagiarised material
• Any material that is sexist, racist, hateful, pornographic, etc.

Inappropriate Postings include

• Messages which are political in nature (lobbying, etc.)
• Advertising of a commercial or personal nature
• Flaming or spamming
• Personal conversations (use e-mail instead)

Remember to

• Sign your name and identify your message with a clear subject line
• Create a new message for a new subject
• Show tolerance towards varying opinions
• Be patient with newcomers or those not fluent in the listserve’s main language
• Carefully read others’ messages and re-read yours before sending
• Avoid using UPPERCASE which indicates shouting
• Avoid cluttering messages with excessive characters (stars, arrows, etc.)
• Quote those parts of a message you are responding to, for clarity
• Be careful about humour and sarcasm; if you do not intend your comments to be taken seriously, make this explicit

Look for specific rules and regulations for the specific bulletin board or listserve.

Note: please see the section on E-mail Etiquette for guidelines on how to write messages for bulletin boards and Info serves. The same concepts apply. Keep in mind however, that on a bulletin board or listserve your messages are being sent to many people. Make sure your messages are appropriate for the whole audience.