Re: Monthly FAQ for the Debian-user mailing list (last modified 20250301)
On Tue, Apr 01, 2025 at 06:17:38PM -0400, Jeffrey Walton wrote:
> I see the changing of title or subject to add things like "SOLVED" is
> not included in the FAQ.
>
> Can we infer it is frowned upon or unwanted?
>
Good evening Jeffrey,
No, I don't think you can.
> > Off-topic arguments also have a habit of derailing useful discussion.
> >
> > Editing and answering mailing list posts
> > ========================================
> >
> > * It is helpful to write meaningful subject lines. If you change subject
> > or emphasis in mid-thread, please change the subject line on your email
> > accordingly so that this can be clearly seen.
> >
> > For example: New question [WAS Old topic]
> >
I think this covers it - as does the prior discussion on this list
> > * It may also be useful for someone to post a summary email from time to
> > time to explain long threads.
> >
This might also be a good indicator that a [SOLVED] Problem ABC would
make a good final entry in a long thread.
> >
> > * Clear replies and a short mailing list thread are much easier to
> > read and follow than long threads.
> >
> > I can't see what I want here - help me!
> > =======================================
> >
> > * It is often useful to look through the archives to see whether the issue
> > you wish to raise or a similar issue has been raised before by someone
> > else. The top level link to the archives of this list is at
> > https://lists.debian.org/debian-user/ organised by year, then month.
> >
There are several instances in the archives where [SOLVED] has been used.
> > * Although there are only twenty or thirty regular contributors, there may
> > be a couple of thousand readers in the background. Nobody is
> > a mind reader, nobody can sit beside you. Please help by providing
> > useful details if asked, especially which version of Debian you are
> > running.
> >
Details of solutions might always be useful
> > I'm not using Debian but ...
> > ============================
> >
> > * Strictly, discussions of other distributions are off-topic here.
> > Please note: advice on Linux distributions other than Debian will be
> > only our best guess - other distributions may do things very differently.
> >
[SOLVED] Use Debian :)
You have, however, made me realise that the lines in the FAQ may be too
long once quoted.
All the very best, as ever,
Andrew Cater
(amacater@debian.org)
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