Open Source Mailing List Collaboration Tips

Below are some recommended guidelines for using the Zephyr Project’s mailing list. When submitting feedback and contribution ideas to the listserv, please follow these guidelines:

• Use the mailing list as much as possible.
• Learn the rules.
• Read the archives when in doubt.
• Choose a meaningful subject line.
• Ask questions and write to the subject matter experts directly and CC the mailing list.
• Before doing any large-scale code changes, send a design document with the proposed changes to the mailing list. This will prevent wasted time implementing a solution that the community may reject.
• Write briefly and to the point, yet give enough context for someone to respond without re-creating your thought process.
• Be persistent, but measured, if you are not getting a response.
• Write a separate email for each work item. If work items are connected, explicity state so in each email.
• Don’t rehash old issues.
• Reply only when you’re offering new information or a new perspective; avoid “me-too” posts.
• When replying in-line to message that was CC’ed to the list, trim out unnecessary context between replies and at the end of your message.
• Refrain from using capital letters to emphasize a point.
• Check your line length; keep it under 72-76 characters.