The STC Austin Chapter provides three mailing lists for technical communicators in the Austin area, each of which has a specific purpose:

• stc-austin-general
• stc-austin-announce
• stc-austin-admin

If you have any questions about the listserv, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

stc-austin-general

This is an open list; anyone can join and post messages. This mailing list works like a large broadcast mailing list: anything you post to the list goes out to everyone who has subscribed.

This list is a forum for us to communicate information about:

• The STC Austin Community
• Technical communication
• Technical resources
• General job search and career information (See the job bank for specific listings)
• Q&A about software, hardware, writing, and other topics  

stc-austin-announce

This is a private list for members of the STC Austin Chapter. Any chapter member can subscribe. New members are automatically added to the list. This list is used to announce chapter events, such as chapter or SIG meetings, and other items of interest. Only chapter officers, directors, committee chairs, and SIG leaders can post to this list.

stc-austin-admin

This is a private list used by chapter officers, directors, and committee chairs to discuss chapter business.

Joining or Leaving a Mailing List

To join or leave a mailing list, go to the appropriate web page:

http://mailman.stc.org/mailman/listinfo/stc-austin-general
http://mailman.stc.org/mailman/listinfo/stc-austin-announce
http://mailman.stc.org/mailman/listinfo/stc-austin-admin 

If you have any questions about the listserv, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Posting to a List

To post to the stc-austin-general list, send email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

You must send the email from the email account that is subscribed to the list (that is, the email address that receives the list). Observe the etiquette guidelines.

Only chapter officers, directors, committee chairs, and SIG leaders can post to the stc-austin-announce and stc-austin-admin lists.

Etiquette Guidelines

• Use your real name.
• Use descriptive titles in the subject line so everyone can follow the threads and easily access the messages.
• Limit line length to 80 characters.
• Make sure the topic you are discussing is appropriate for the audience.
• Be brief.
• Be careful what you say about others. You never know who is listening, so be very cautious what you say about a particular company, manager, co-worker, or friend.
• Never forget that you are communicating with human beings, not computers. Do not attack people if you cannot persuade them with your presentation of the facts (cite appropriate references to back your argument).
• Remember that there are other people reading your messages. Screaming (ALL CAPS), cursing, or abusing someone only diminishes you in the minds of others and they will be less willing to help you when you need it. The STC Austin Chapter reserves the right to eliminate a message if it is abusive.
• Remember there are no stupid questions. At one time, you didn't know the answer to the question, either.
• Don't post messages correcting someone else's spelling or grammar. This causes people to pick apart each other's messages and defeats the purpose of the service. Remember we all make mistakes and e-mail spelling mistakes are forgivable.
• Never assume the person is speaking for his/her organization. Many people post messages from their school or office, but the opinions are purely personal. If you have a problem with a message, please take it up with the individual, not the entire company.
• Be careful with humor and sarcasm. E-mail is easily misinterpreted; a remark that was meant to be funny can come across as rude. Often, adding a smiley face helps show you are joking :-).
• When you are responding to someone's message, please summarize the subject so others can follow the thread.
• Be careful to send personal follow-ups directly to the individual via e-mail, not broadcast to the entire group.
• Do not post information that may be an infringement on copyright laws.
• Do not use the listserve as an advertising medium for your company, product, or service.
• Avoid posting to multiple listservs.
• Do not use the listserve as a resource for homework assignments or research.