SI-List: About once a year it becomes necessary to re-state the general acceptable use guidelines for si-list. The restatement is for the benefit of both new members and existing members who may benefit from a memory refresh cycle. To begin with, the primary reason for the existence of si-list is to provide a medium to foster the exchange of signal integrity related technical knowledge amongst the members. Secondarily, it exists to provide a forum for posting information on events of interest to the SI community. Third, on occasion it may function as a place to post info related to job openings. I'll expand a little on the above 3 reasons to clarify any ambiguities. Primary Reason: "...to provide a medium to foster the exchange of signal integrity related technical knowledge amongst the members." While the sentence specifies 'signal integrity' related, as a practical matter discussions related to other allied fields beside SI such as EMI/EMC, RF and data test methods, CAD tools, modeling etc. are certainly permissible as long as the subject matter isn't too far astray. By way of example, the following subjects would seem to be in line with allowable topics: a. Topics related to Signal Integrity, Power Integrity, SI Tools b. EMC and EMI topics especially when related to SI c. Simulation/Extraction algorithm discussions d. Modeling (s-parameters, IBIS, Spice, etc.) The above list is certainly not exhaustive and the absence of a topic in the example list does not preclude it from being appropriate for the list. The following might be a bit far afield for si-list and are probably best discussed elsewhere (unless you can demonstrate a definite relation to the SI field): a. Semiconductor Fabrication topics. b. Theoretical physics c. Basic EE101 homework type issues d. Etc...... Secondary Reason: ".....it exists to provide a forum for posting information on events of interest to the SI community" This is an area where much of the interpretation as to what is acceptable may be a bit fuzzy. The following list gives a few examples of topics definitely OK: a. Call for Papers related to SI b. Announcement of upcoming SI related conferences The following are topics that might be OK: a. Free seminars run by vendors b. Pointers to 'free' SI tools from vendor websites c. Announcements of 'contests' and such from vendors The common thread is that vendors are involved in one way or another. If the 'seminar' is a thinly veiled marketing ploy then please find an alternate venue to advertise it. If a 'free' tool isn't truly useful but is just a 'hook' to pull in potential new customers then it probably isn't OK. If a SI related contest is truly educational then it is perhaps OK. If it is intended increase your website traffic as a marketing thing then probably not. "Advertising" like postings are discouraged by vendors. In an attempt to keep the playing field level it is requested that vendors (CAD tools, test equipment, components etc...) refrain from what could be construed as advertising on the list. Those vendors who adhere to the rules are put at a competitive disadvantage by those who opt to ignore the rules. If someone asks a question such as: Where can I get a IBIS model made, or, who sells a XYZ analyzer then it is OK for a vendor to responds with a simple acknowledgement and a point of contact for further info/discussion. An on-list marketing presentation is neither required or desired. As you can see, there is a lot of room for interpretation. If you're not sure, please ask before posting. Tertiary Reason: "... it may function as a place to post info related to job openings" This one is pretty easy to understand: a. Occasional postings by hiring managers looking to fill a specific opening in their group are OK. b. Postings by "Headhunters", HR departments or postings that look like "Display Ads" are discouraged. If you make an acceptable use posting: a. please keep the job description short and to the point b. provide a means of contact (website, e-mail, phone#) for further more detailed info. c. Be sure to identify the geographic location. Hopefully the above paragraphs outline what is allowed and what is discouraged as to the use of si-list. Part of the reason that si-list runs as smooth as it does is 'self policing' by the list users. While I don't condone heavy handed net police tactics, if a fellow list member makes a comment that something may not be in accord with established SI-List rules and/or practices, please don't take offense, but learn from the advisory. It isn't possible (or at least I don't have the time) to codify all possible acceptable and non-acceptable uses of the list, please just use common sense when posting. If you're not sure, just ask. Regards, Ray Anderson (si-list admin) This email and any attachments are intended for the sole use of the named recipient(s) and contain(s) confidential information that may be proprietary, privileged or copyrighted under applicable law. If you are not the intended recipient, do not read, copy, or forward this email message or any attachments. Delete this email message and any attachments immediately. ------------------------------------------------------------------ To unsubscribe from si-list: si-list-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with 'unsubscribe' in the Subject field or to administer your membership from a web page, go to: //www.freelists.org/webpage/si-list For help: si-list-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with 'help' in the Subject field List technical documents are available at: http://www.si-list.net List archives are viewable at: //www.freelists.org/archives/si-list Old (prior to June 6, 2001) list archives are viewable at: http://www.qsl.net/wb6tpu