Date: Thu, 21 Apr 2005 15:25:22 -0400
From: "Paul Haggerty" <Paul.Haggerty at noaa.gov>
To: WSFA members <WSFAlist at WSFA.org>
Subject: [WSFA] Re: Quoting
Reply-To: WSFA members <WSFAlist at WSFA.org>

Yes, we know perfectly well how the internet works, we've been here
since it was invented.  We also know that anything in the standards
today could be removed tomorrow so unless it's a physical standard
(hardware, software interface, etc), we take it with a grain of salt.

As you've pointed out:  RFC 1855  is only a set of suggestions,  not a
set of rules.  I hate it when people use ALL CAPS TO MAKE A POINT! but I
don't feel the need to send them scathing e-mails comparing their
intelligence to snails for doing it.

All the standard shows is that some people have suggested that this
would be a good idea. And a large number of us have said "No it isn't!"
After all, someone though BLINK would be a good thing and put it in the
standards.  Look how that turned out.

The posting style gudes aren't requirements.  So why the flamefest?  Why
can't bottom-postphiles just be happy with their bottom-posting and
leave us top-postphiles alone?  Why must we constantly be "corrected"?
Bottom-posting drives me up a wall, but I don't scream "STOP BOTTOM
POSTING!"  I would appreciate it if bottom posters could return the favor.

Mike B. wrote:

>Read the RFC?
>
>For those who don't know how the internet works, "RFC" stands for "Request
>For Comments".  It's the way internet standards are publicised.  The one
>covering netiquete is RFC 1855.  It isn't a "standards track" RFC, so it
>isn't required behavior, but it does provide a strong indication of what
>the traditions on the net are, what is expected by most, and what will
>avoid getting you talked about and to by the net.cops and other net users.
>It is put out by the organization that handles internet standards (IETF).
>

--

Paul Haggerty
Science and Technology Corporation
NESDIS/NOAA
Phone: 301-457-5258 x142
E-mail: Paul.Haggerty at noaa.gov