[va-bird] Style for VA-Bird posts

Dear VA-Birders,

Posts to VA-Bird increase as the spring migration heats up, and we all look 
forward to email documenting migrants, returning residents and vagrants.  
Below are style and content guidelines for posts.

Subject ? Please indicate the most important bird reported, or the location 
of the birding.  Many readers of VA-Bird use only the archives 
http://www.freelists.org/archives/va-bird/ which lists posts chronologically 
with only the subject and poster?s name as identification.  Subject 
examples: ?Gyrfalcon at Occoquan NWR? is great; ?Gyrfalcon? is good; ?Can 
you believe this? is not good.

Body ? Your reports on VA birds and VA birding are welcome.  Rough language, 
personal attacks, divisive topics and rants are not welcome.  There are 750 
email addresses subscribed to VA-Bird, and many more read the archives.  We 
are birders of every skill level.  Most, but not all, reside in VA.
Please report birds using full common names.  If you use a nickname such as 
?Butter-butt?, please also indicate the proper name (to prevent sounding 
elitist to new birders).  If you are reporting birds within paragraphs, 
please use ALL CAPS for the bird names.  This allows readers to zero in on 
birds of interest.  Lists are great, but be aware that columns are often 
misaligned when posted.
Location is often a problem.  Please be as specific as possible.  An 
Internet search usually finds directions to all state, county and federal 
parks.  Route numbers and street names are useful; assume readers can use an 
Internet map site or detailed county paper maps (CostCo has very good prices 
on these).

Attachments - The Freelists server does not accept any attachments to 
emails.

Signature Block ? Required, with first and last name and location a minimum. 
  Email addresses are ?xxx?ed out before posting to the archives, both in 
the email header and body.

Thanks for your attention.  Let?s keep this listserv the best source of VA 
birding information.

Paul Mocko
Co-owner, VA-Bird listserv
McLean, VA


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