🚀 go-pugleaf

                         Internet Retailer Forum
                               (Moderated)

                       Frequently Asked Questions
                       ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Charter: Biz.ecommerce is for the discussion of topics concerning Internet
         retailers. Blatant ads are not allowed. The recommending of a
         product or service within a current topic is allowed by anyone as
         long as it contributes to the thread. Cross-posted messages will
         not be accepted by the moderator. It is the moderator's sole
         responsibility and unquestioned authority to ensure that articles
         adhere to the charter.

Q:  Is advertising for products and services allowed on biz.ecommerce?

A:  Advertising is not allowed on biz.ecommerce.  Ads should be posted in
the
    biz.marketplace.* groups that are not designated for discussion or in 
    other hierarchies.

    Although some groups may be for advertising, the best way to get a
    reader's attention is through a good discussion thread.  Very few will
    buy a magazine just to read advertising.  It's the interesting articles
    that get pages turned and TV channels tuned.

Q:  What happens if I ignore the rules and try to post advertising to
    biz.ecommerce?

A:  The biz.ecommerce newsgroup is moderated by Christopher G. Gunn.  
    The Usenet News mechanism at both the user interface and transport
    level does not permit posting or propagation of an article without
    the moderators approval.  Instead, it E-Mails them to the moderator's
    address for approval and posting.

Q:  If my messages are rejected, how will I know why?

A:  Whenever possible, the moderators will respond to rejected messages
    explaining the problem.  If you use a fake or bogus address, obviously 
    the moderators can't reach you.

Q:  Is there any specific format which messages should follow?

A:  Articles should reflect a professional and business like attitude and be
    limited to plain text and the upper 128 characters. Messages that
contain
    HTML or MIME encoding waste space.  Set your margins for a maximum of 76
    characters per line so everyone can easily read your posting.

Q:  Do all messages have to be in English?

A:  Although most of the messages you see on the biz groups are in English,
    it's not a requirement.  Messages in other languages are welcome if 
    they can be translated using one of the on-line translation services.
    Posting in your language, with a translation in English, will give you 
    the widest audience.

Q:  What's the best way to present my business on the newsgroups?

A:  Folks with whom you'd like to be doing business with will make their 
    decisions based on their impression of your messages.  During a 
    discussion, you may read messages from someone who has an opinion 
    totally different from yours.  Feel free to discuss the difference of 
    opinion but try to avoid getting hurt feelings involved.  You will be 
    asked to use E-Mail if messages are personal attacks or the language 
    belongs elsewhere.

    Messages are expected to come from legitimate addresses.  Attempts to
    avoid E-Mail responses and anonymous messages are not a good business
    practice.  We also encourage the use of real names in From lines rather
    than funny handles or trying use it as advertising.

Q:  How can I advertise without getting into trouble?

A:  Some biz newsgroups do accept advertising.  Don't go by the messages 
    you see.  Check the charters to be sure and what you wish to promote 
    fits within the topic area before posting.  For the "biz" hierarchy in 
    general, please refer to the biz meta-FAQ posted on biz.config 
    periodically by Ed Hew, the biz Newsgroup Authority.  All of the biz 
    FAQ's are available from http://www.bizynet.com/FAQ-Indx.htm along 
    with many other articles to help your marketing efforts.

We hope you find the biz groups both enjoyable and profitable,

     Chris Gunn
  cgunn@bizynet.com