ZRA News
ZRA Listserv - Statement of Clarification
March 11, 2014Statement of Clarification
AZA Listserv Use Policy and ZRA Listserv
AZA Listserv Use Policy and ZRA Listserv
Dear ZRA Members:
In light of the recent ZRA listserv traffic regarding the ISIS announcement of Laurie Bingaman Lackey’s departure from employment with ISIS, the ZRA Board of Directors felt it was necessary to remind its members that this listserv is hosted through AZA and there is a policy that must be followed when using the listserv.
As many of you and other listserv members have already attested, Laurie definitely took our data and our problems to heart and helped us in so many ways. She will definitely be missed. In our eyes, no one can fill her shoes and the shock of her departure has weighed heavily on our emotions. In order to let Laurie know where our hearts are, please take a moment to send a personal email or note thanking her for her efforts or helpfulness. On the other hand, let’s not lose sight of the strong relationship that ZRA has with ISIS. They are a big supporter of ZRA which is reflected in their attendance at our Annual Conference each year.
AZA provides us with listserv access as a privilege for ZRA members to use. Therefore, it is crucial that we use the listserv in a non-offensive, professional way, if we want to continue to enjoy the benefit. Misuse of the listserv will not be tolerated. Please review the AZA Listserv Use Policy that is provided below.
Listserv Use Policy
AZA listservs are tools for furthering Association business and any topics related to the business of zoos and aquariums are suitable for discussion. The following types of messages are inappropriate at any time:
- Solicitations, advertising or direct marketing messages;
- Defamatory statements;
- Curse words or vulgar language;
- Personal comments, insults or attacks;
- Copyrighted material, if the copyright owner has not consented.
AZA encourages active discussion and sharing by the listservs. AZA members are encouraged to share experiences and advice if a question is posted on a particular topic. It is also acceptable to ask about companies that provide a specific service.
While it is permissible to discuss experiences with vendors or other companies, AZA does encourage, when possible, dealing with AZA Commercial Members or AZA Certified Related Facility members to supply products or services.
Neither AZA nor the list moderator actively monitors the listservs for inappropriate postings, and does not undertake editorial control of postings. All messages sent by members are automatically transmitted to the entire list serve. No messages are approved or sanctioned by AZA. The moderator and AZA have the authority to ensure that the guidelines are being followed. AZA has the right to remove members if compliance to these guidelines is not being followed. Members are encouraged to report any offending or abusive users to AZA or the moderator.
Postings that are a joke or satirical in nature should be labeled as such. Please keep such material to a minimum. For that exception that you cannot resist, inform your readers that the material is not authentic or is "off-topic." This will minimize confusion and allow users to hit "Delete" if they choose not to read it.
Listservs also should not be used for placement notices that would ordinarily go through other communication venues, such as Animal Exchange. Exceptions might include a confiscated animal that needs an immediate home, or similar emergencies. Permission for posting exemptions must be requested from Kris Vehrs. Please do not post or distribute items that have been marked "Confidential".
E-mail is neither confidential, personal, nor private. There is no good way to fully and finally erase every copy. Deleted messages can be easily recreated with special software. If you need to write someone individually, send a separate message to their private e-mail address.
Some other suggestions:
- Use spell-check.
- Don't use all capital letters for more than one word (this is equivalent to shouting).
- Insert a blank line between paragraphs.
- Don't use text styles (e.g. bold or italic) or text colors in mailing list messages. They won't be seen in the message received, and may appear as undecipherable symbols.
- Unless it's necessary for clarity, avoid repeating the original message in your reply.
- Review your message before sending it. If it is something that is not of interest to the entire list membership, send it privately to the individual.
- Keep your Auto Signature short. Include your name and affiliation only. If more information is needed, you can be contacted through your e-mail address.
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