HEC NETWORK

List Administrator's Guide

Introduction.  

Welcome to the exciting world of HEC-NETWORK.  The purpose of this document is to provide you with a simple but complete guide to administering your list and dealing with the day to day challenges you may face.

What is HEC-NETWORK

The HEC-NETWORK is one of the main projects at the Hellenic Electronic Center (HEC) attempting to connect all people of Greek decent worldwide.  Several lists are operational and more could become available in the future as persons with common interests seek to create a better link among themselves regardless of geographical living areas.  Your list is an example of full filing such a need in a specific subject area of interest for persons of Greek origin. 

The HEC-NETWORK  MANAGERS

The HEC-NETWORK Managers are Evangelos Rigos and Thanos Voudouris.  They are responsible for HEC-NETWORK and handling requests for new lists. Every request for a new list must be presented with a well defined purpose, the group of persons looking to bring together and the proposed administrator(s) for the new list.

What is Expected from a List Administrator

As a list administrator, you are expected to uphold the highest standards of messaging behavior.  In your own list, you are expected to set the tone as well as provide an example for others to follow.  Although you are encouraged to participate in your own list, use good judgment when doing so.  As the administrator, you will be judged by higher standards than normal list subscribers.  Similarly, try to be an example of good behavior wherever you go on the list.

Because you are The Law, it is important that you never behave as if you were above it. Use your authority sparingly and judiciously.  The two most important skills of an Administrator are Good Judgment and Fairness.  Although you do not have to be friendly, a warm sociable demeanor helps a lot in most cases.

There is an art to stepping on people's toes without disturbing their shine, and as an administrator you should learn to do just that.  At times, you may have no choice. Let's hope this will not happen very often, but be prepared if it and when it does. If in doubt, contact the HEC administrator for advise.

As the List Administrator you should select a co-administrator to share the load of the list. Selecting the right person, someone you are comfortable working with and dependable, is important for your list success.

Co-Administrators

Personal reasons may cause you to be absent periodically. The routine requests may also be too much to handle on a daily basis. It is recommended you select a co-administrator to share the daily work loads and fill in your absence.

The Beginning

As the administrator of a new list, you will have to announce to your potential subscribers the creation of your list.  It's a good practice to give them some idea of what to expect from you as the administrator.  It it advised that you send a welcome message to each new subscriber and informing him of the list's specific rules.

List Rules

It's a good idea to post your list rules regularly so the members are aware of  them .  Remember that some subscribers may be new to this, or they may have experiences with other lists which have different rules.  Basic rules to consider include the following:

No offensive language
No personal attacks
No posting of copyrighted material unless authorized by its author or publisher
No ads
No excessive quoting or generally ornamental images and long signatures
No off-topic discussions

What and When to Moderate

This is possibly the most difficult part of your job: deciding when to put on your administrator's hat.  It is a fine balancing act because you do not want to have a hair-trigger, nor do you want to be so relaxed and lenient as to allow messaging behavior that is not allowed elsewhere.

Language

Personal definition of "acceptable language" vary greatly.  Variations from the norm  could be allowed, but offensive and in general "bad" language should be restricted.

Personal Attacks

Personal direct attacks must be addressed immediately.  Identify yourself as the list administrator and remind the subscriber that this is not allowed on the list.

Advertisements

It is good practice not to permit the posting of promotional messages and advertisements.  The purpose of your list should be emphasized when responding to promoters of products and services.

Fairness and Consistency

As the administrator, you must strive to earn and keep the respect of your list participants.  Do not wave your badge, do not force your opinions on others, and whenever you use discipline, be fair and consistent.  If you are faced with a serious problem seek advice from the HEC managers.  

Disciple Tools

As the list administrator, you have a number of disciplinary tools at your disposal. The tools to consider using include:

1.  Advisory/Warning - Notify the member about the nature of the problem. Explain the rules of the list and how he/she violated them. Request not to repeat the cause of the problem and warn him that it will not be tolerated.

2.  Suspension - You may never have to suspend anyone.  However, if the member shows no improvement after a warning, you have no choice.  You may want to issues a 30 day suspension, 60 day ,or longer. Notify the list about the specific member 's suspension and explain the reason. After the suspension period is over, the ember should be accepted on probation for 3 months.

3.  Revocation - A 6-month revocation is in order when a user breaks the list rules while on probation.

4. Expulsion - It can be the result of a serious offense and is a disciplinary step that can only be taken after careful review.

Arbitration

A member of any list on the HEC server who feels that was not treated fairly by the List Administrator could contact the HEC Managers and report the incident. HEC will review each case and decide if action is necessary of the part of HEC.  All decisions of the HEc Managers will be final.

Getting Help

If you are not sure about something or would like to hear a second opinion or suggestion ,feel free to contact the HEC Managers.

Summary

How much you get from administering a list is directly proportional to how much you put into it.  You have the power to make your list the best it can be.  In general, administering a list can be a rewarding activity.  In some cases it may be a frustrating one. Do not let minor incidents spoil your enjoyment and that of others.  Stress positive and constructive participation, be fair and consistent and you will succeed.  Enjoy it !

Executive Council of HEC

Edition one - April 1999