View source for Mailing lists/Introduction

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OLPC draws heavily from the principles of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_source_software open source software], including building and sharing a base of common knowledge. OLPC uses public mailing lists as a primary method of communication for these reasons.

A ''mailing list'' is a service that forms an email-based communication channel between a number of ''subscribers''. Mailing lists are usually set up as follows:
* '''Subscription''' is open to anyone; just provide your email address in a simple form.
* '''Writing''' to the mailing list is open to all subscribers; just send an email to the mailing list address. Your email will then be automatically and individually sent to all subscribers.
* '''Reading''' is also open to non-subscribers through public mailing list archives on a website.

OLPC operates a large number of mailing lists, documented on the [[Mailing lists]] page. Each mailing list has a designated topic. Some are used for general discussion, others for various forms of support, and others for critical operational tasks such as software development.

Obtaining support and asking questions on mailing lists is generally preferred to private emails, even if you know a good candidate to answer your message. This is because both your questions and any responses will be public, adding to common knowledge. Other people with similar questions will be able to find the new information in the public list archives, avoiding the need for the question to be asked again, and avoiding someone spending the time to provide the same response again.

== Subscribing ==


== Writing ==

== Reading ==

=== Standard delivery ===

=== Digested delivery ===

=== Public archives ===

=== Disabling delivery ===

== Etiqette ==

While OLPC does not publish formal mailing list etiquette, these guidelines will help you get responses to your questions and avoid making enemies:
* If starting a new discussion, carefully choose a succinct and informative subject line. For example, "Help" is uninformative; most people writing to the list are looking for help, '''what''' do you need help with? "Error opening PDF files with Read activity" is good.
* Ensure that your messages are on-topic.
* When replying, use Reply-to-all so that your response is separately delivered to the mailing list, as well as the people you are responding to. 
* Don't top post.
* Configure your email client to send plain-text (not HTML) messages, which linewrap at 78 characters.
* Don't spam or advertise.
* Avoid personal attacks at all times.