[Air-l] writing effective questions to lists

[Barry Wellman]

I'm gearing up to write a book on writing for the social scientists.

I want to put in something about how to write in listservs, chat groups,
IM, etc.

I was struck this week by Abigail's Q (see below) which I thought was a
good example on how NOT to answer a question, because it was so broadly
framed: what is it about time that Abigail is interested in? (dissertation
advising manta).

Yet, I have been struck by how much interesting discussion Abigail's Q has
evoked. For one thing, there ain't much on time (altho did anyone mention
Evitar Zeruvabel?), so anything might be worthwhile. Second, the broadness
of the Q seems to have served as a projective test -- evoking a variety of
responses.

So, I am lead to wonder and to ask: what tips do people have for posting
to lists?

My quick guide is:

1. Be specific as to content and need.

2. Lurk on the list for a while to get a sense of its style.

3. Try to post something else first, so that you are contributing as well
as asking for information.

PS: I'd like to endorse Frank Thomas' request for evidence on Virillo's
conjectures.

 Barry Wellman
 _____________________________________________________________________

  Barry Wellman   S.D. Clark Professor of Sociology   NetLab Director
  Centre for Urban & Community Studies          University of Toronto
  455 Spadina Avenue    Toronto Canada M5S 2G8    fax:+1-416-978-7162
  wellman at chass.utoronto.ca  http://www.chass.utoronto.ca/~wellman
        for fun: http://chass.utoronto.ca/oldnew/cybertimes.php
 _____________________________________________________________________

 On 12/7/06, Abigail Groves wrote:
>>
>>> Hi all,
>>> I am writing about the internet and its effects on time. I was
wondering
>>> if anyone could suggest some readings on this topic?
>>>
>>> Thanks,
>>>
>>>
>>> Abigail Groves
>>>
>>> PhD Candidate
>>> National Centre in HIV Social Research
>>> University of NSW
>>> http://nchsr.unsw.edu.au