Re: FN-FORUM A Ridiculous Reaction.....

date posted 29th January 2001 02:32

Hi Darren,

If you're unsure about what is allowed and what's not when you post to a newsgroup,
there's some good info at www.usenet.org.uk - this site contains links to newsgroup
charters as well as other useful information about newsgroups.

Generally it 's expected that read the charter of a newsgroup before you post and if
you haven't and post an unsuitable message, don't be surprised if people react. In the
charter for uk.local.yorkshire it clearly states that advertising is not allowed and in
fact, one of the other newsgroups you posted to was set up specifically to address the
problem of the number of adverts in uk.local.yorkshire (though your ad may be breaking
the rules of that newsgroup too, for different reasons - see
http://www.usenet.org.uk/uk.local.yorkshire.noticeboard.html)

It's quite common for people who don't follow newsgroup netiquette to be reported to
their ISP, and perhaps even more likely for internet professionals who might be
expected to know better. I enclose an extract of btinternet's T&Cs below - they do
mention unsolicited adverts but I'd be surprised if they took action if you are
suitably apologetic. I'd agree that the threats relating to the police and Trading
Standards seem a bit OTT!

At the end of the day, people use newsgroups because they want help, advice or relevant
information and a number of good newsgroups have been ruined by large numbers of
irrelevant postings, hence the willingness for many newgroups users to report
irrelevant postings to ISPs. If you want to promote your company through that medium
it's probably best to stick with the newsgroups specifically set up for advertising, or
only reply to postings such as "Does anyone know an impressive IT consultancy with a
good track record that's based in Yorkshire?" ;-) Alternatively, respond to postings
where you are able to provide help to others who might be interested in your services
and have a link to your website in your message sig.

Hope this helps.

Regards,

Ian.

--
Transact on the Web - http://www.allen-keul.com
[EMAIL REMOVED]
--



6.5 The Service must not be used:
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.
.
(d) to send unsolicited advertising or promotional material
.
.
.

6.9 If we suspend the Service for contravention of any of paragraphs 6.1 - 6.6
inclusive, we will not restore it until we receive an acceptable assurance from you
that there will be no further contravention.