Rules to Follow When Posting Messages to Newsgroups and E-mail Discussion Lists:
- Have some news and helpful information. Vague descriptions of a "cool" site aren't enough.
- Be brief!
- Make sure your information is relevant to the list.
- Be "chatty" - try not to sound like you're making a pitch.
- Post to each group individually, and tailor your message to the group. For this you'll need to follow the list for a week or so before you post to it, or else read the archives.
- Have a talk with the moderator. Ask them if they'll mind your post. If the moderator likes your product or service, then you know you've got the right group ... and if you're lucky, the moderator will give you some support.
- Follow up on the list. People often send replies to the list without cc'ing you.
One ought to follow a list regularly and post messages that contribute to streams of conversation. But if you haven't the time or the energy for that, then this is a good alternative.
