How to Use MapHist

Out of the Frame?

Subscriptions

Subscriptions are free, of course. A subscriber must agree to follow standard professional internet etiquette (no individual messages, no foul language, no intimidation, no commercialism ...etc.). This is a not a "managed" list so any improper postings will not be filtered out, but those who post such a message will be unsubscribed from MapHist, if necessary.

Posting a Message

To post a message to MapHist, compose your text in the body of your message (as opposed to "attaching" a document or attaching an image) and address it to: maphist@geo.uu.nl

It is important that your posting has an accurate subject title -- so that the message will pop up in the right places when someone runs a search for that subject later on (see MapHist CD-Rom).

Replying to a Message

You have two choices when replying to another person's posting. If your response is not appropriate to the whole list, you can reply to the original posting directly by sending a message to that e-mail address (cut and paste or just type it into your "New Message" box). If your response is appropriate for everyone on the whole list to read (most of your responses will be list-wide), then respond with text in the body of your message (again, no attachments) and send it to: maphist@geo.uu.nl

Note that replies are automatically set by majordomo to be distributed to the entire list -- in other words, note that if you use your Reply function to respond to a posting, your message will go to the whole list.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: When REPLYING to a digest version, you MUST compose a NEW message, otherwise you bombard the list with a whole day of messages at once

MapHist List Rules

• Use a descriptive subject. Busy folks who only read once a week can find posts that are of interest to them. "Map Query" communicates much less than "Query: Map of Barbados" Remember, a blank "SUBJECT:" line says nothing.
• Put a "signature" with your full name and affiliation at the bottom of your posts. People would like to know who is asking the question or who is answering.
• Send your mail as plain text, and not as HTML posts. People still using DOS mail reader software, others having academic accounts that use UNIX or VAX text reader, and also subscribers to the digest have messages with HTML come in twice, once looking just fine, and once looking all messed-up. Turning the HTML feature off will make your messages look just fine. You may not even realize that you're posting your email with HTML encoding. How do I send my e-mail as plain text?
  
  • Outlook 5 and 6: Tools > Options > Send ; Mail Sending Format: Press radio button "Plain Text"
  • Outlook 2000: Tools > Options > Mail Format ; Send in this message format: Choose in pull down menu for "Plain Text"
  • Eudora Pro: Tools > Options > Styled Text ; Press radio button "Send plain text only"
• Do not send large attachments. The listserv program for MapHist does not accept messages over 50 Kb (this includes the attachment). Larger message will bounce to the list-owner, who in special occasions will allow larger attachments. If you have the possibility, put your illustrations or texts on a website and give the URL in your message. When you don't have access to a website, you may use the MapHist illustration page and the MapHist discussion papers page.
• Do not send warnings, virus alerts or chain letters to the list. They are nearly always untrue and some have been around for years. If an urgent virus warning needs to be posted, the listowner will do it.
• Do not use all capital letters. In internet communications, this has for years been used for emphasis and is considered SHOUTING. So unless you really intend to shout, please don't use all capitals.
• Guidelines for postings with commercial contents. The general consensus of several discussions on this matter can be expressed in some guidelines.
  Acceptable are;
  • Announcements of new reference material for sale.
  • Announcements of new dealer catalogues (in print or on a WWW site). Name, brief description of catalogue content (no list of important items) and e-mail address for requesting catalogues only.
  • Announcement of library de-accessions.
  • Announcements of exhibitions or gatherings of mapsellers or collectors.
  All these announcements must be preceded, as the first lines, by the following text, typed as shown (i.e., in all CAPS):
  

  ---

  DO NOT USE YOUR EMAIL REPLY FUNCTION TO RESPOND TO THIS ANNOUNCEMENT. MAKE SURE ANY MESSAGE COMES TO ME AND IS NOT SENT TO THE ENTIRE LIST

  ---

  
  Not acceptable are (please use the Maptrade List):
  • To use the list as a sale or wants list.
  • Listing the important items in a new catalogue.
  • Asking for price information.
• Do not quote the entire message when responding, only the important stuff. This also involves trimming off headers, footers and signature lines.
• Answer all relevant questions to the list and not private (to prevent double work and to keep the exchange of ideas going).
• Be respectful of the other subscribers. Before you send any response ask yourself "Do 700 other people need or want to read this?"
• Take personal issues off-list rather than filling the list with bickering and in-fighting.
• GOOD IDEA - join the list and lurk for a while to get a feel for list protocol, then introduce yourself.

To Subscribe or Unsubscribe

Subscribing and unsubscribing must be done from your email account that will receive MapHist postings.

For instructions, see the (Un)subscribing page
If you are having a problem, contact: Peter van der Krogt