RWC-Moderators Group
If you are a new moderator or helper for RWC, thank you so
much for offering the helping hand and the time that help
will take from other things you could be doing.
much for offering the helping hand and the time that help
will take from other things you could be doing.
**If a moderator breaks a moderator rule, or makes a mistake, I send them a reminder just
like they send members reminders when they break a rule. (Smile) I know that no one likes
getting reminders, and I really hate sending them to moderators since some people take
reminders so badly and moderators are there offering their help and time freely, but of
course there is no way things will work if I don't send moderators reminders if they make a
mistake. If you send a member a reminder because her sig file is three lines long and tell
her it's over the limit, but the actual rule is she was allowed four lines or maybe even five
because of two titles in the sig file, then if I don't send you a reminder about the rule, how
will you know next time? Not to mention how confused the poor member will be. (Smile) In
other words it's my job to make sure the moderators don't make a mistake, just like it's
your job to make sure the members don't, so please take any reminder I send you as a
helping hand not a wet noodle. Here's hoping all members take your reminders with as
much understanding.**
The RWC-Moderator group is set up only for moderators and helpers of the RWC groups
and sister groups, including RRC. I'll sub you to that group and Yahoo will send you a
message about it, if I haven't done so already. Below are the rules that all moderators and
helpers should always follow. I know it's a lot of info, but this can't work if all moderators
and helpers aren't always on the same page, always following the same rules, and being
consistent at all times. One moderator can't say or allow one thing with members and
another moderator want something different from them.
Some sections of the info below is set up only for moderators or helpers of a certain group.
You can skip over those sections if you aren't a helper or moderator for that group. Other
parts, like the first one below, is for all moderators and helpers. Please refer back to this
page, and or the rule page for the group you moderate, if you are ever unsure of something
or think you might have forgotten something. If you still aren't sure, feel free to drop me a
note and I'll help you in anyway I can. You can also ask on the mod group. (Do remember if
you ask there to use MOD: as a subject line tag at the start of the subject line so we know
it's a question or comment for mods and not a BCC of a reminder.) Sometimes even another
moderator will answer or help. I try to watch the reminders that mods BCC to the mod
group and make sure that no one misunderstands a rule or is making mistakes, but I might
miss a message sometimes, and asking or looking it up if you are unsure saves me having
to send a reminder and saves the member wondering if we even know the rules. hehehe
Thanks!
(Near the bottom of this page you will find a listing of all moderators and helpers and what
each are signed up for. If you are listed any where you didn't mean to be listed or if you can
no longer do the job you agreed to do, or if you want to be added to something else as well,
please let me know. Thanks again for your help.)
Here's how things work on the mod group...
1) All posts and info sent to and through the mod group are considered private and only
intended for those there -- the moderators and helpers. Please don't forward or discuss the
messages with anyone who isn't part of the mod group. That includes people who step
down from being a helper or moderator and leave the group.
2) When you send any message as a moderator to a member, please ALWAYS BCC that
message to the mod group address with the original text from that person left in it so
there is a record of the message you sent a reply about, as well as what you sent and the
header of the original message the member sent so we can see clearly which member sent
the message, that member's e-mail address, and to which group the message was sent. This
way other moderators will see if there is a member who has a habit of not trimming or of
starting flames, or just seeming to do blatant promo a lot. You will also have that message
here to look back at if you need it to see who you have sent the same reminders to before,
or for any other reason. Please note if you reject a message or send a reminder from the
group page, you will have to copy and paste the header separately since it isn't part of the
body of the text on the group page. If you do it through your e-mail program, the header
should be in the body of the message with the other text and you can just copy it all at
once.
Cheat Sheet for Reminders
a) Make sure all of the original message is left in your reply so the member can see her
complete message and so can the other mods.
b) Make sure the To: field is addressed to the member's address, not the group her
message was sent to. If not, the reminder is going to go to that group. The member it was
meant for might not even see it, and you've just a sent an untrimmed message intended for
one person to the group. Which means you just broke at least two rules yourself. (Smile)
c) Make sure the mod group address is in the BCC: field so the mod group gets a copy of
the reminder so other mods don't repeat it and so we have a record of it. This is very
important since there are a number of mods on each group and reminders go out even for
messages that have already posted to the group, not just to those who are set to moderated.
The BBC means that the member getting the reminder doesn't see the mod group address.
d) Edit the subject line so it contains something other than the original subject which the
member might just scan over and delete thinking it is only a group reply. It's best to add
something to the subject line RWC Reminder, RWC Trim Reminder, RWC Message Not
Posted, or what ever fits for that reminder. Please place it at the start of the subject line so
it's the first thing the member sees.
e) As you write your reminder, always remember to explain both the problem, the rule, and
the corrections. Makes for longer reminders but that can't be helped. After a member has
been reminded a few times about the same thing or things, save your fingers and let those
reminders get shorter and to the point.
3) Please remember the rules are enforced the same for all members, published or not, and
that routine reminders shouldn't be harsh or curt or rude. Smiles and tones don't come
through in messages so short and to the point messages or certain wording can really come
across in a way that you don't mean. Members will then either get mad or upset and not
post, or be scared off from posting. Neither is the result we are after. Of course helpers and
moderators should get the same respect back too. (If you have reminded the same member
of the rules a couple of times recently, or if that member snaps any time you do have to
send a reminder, then short and to the point is fair.)
4) Members of the mod group should keep their messages set to individual and not digest.
There aren't that many messages through the mod group and when a message does come
through, it could be something that needs to be handled right then. The same setting
should also be used for any group that you moderate. You can not be a good moderator if
the group mail you are supposed to watch is set to digest so you get it a day after the
members.
5) If you find that you aren't going to have the time or be able to do the work you
volunteered for, please let us know instead of just leaving the group or not doing your fair
share. If at all possible, please try to give us at least a week's or so notice before you leave
so there will be time to find someone to take your spot and maybe for them to get the hang
of things.
Now that all of that is behind us, I just wanted to quickly thank you again for offering your
help and spending the hours you will helping RWC and her sister groups continue to be
the great groups that they have come to be known as.
By the by, it's fine to be a little social on the mod group and get to know each other. After
all, when it comes to the RWC groups, we have each other's backs, so to speak.
More Info For All Mods
There will be plenty of reminders coming through the mod group, and we sure don't want
to read them all. So, if you need to send a message to the mod group that isn't a reminder
that is being BBCed but a message that you want one or more of the other moderators or
helpers to read, please use MOD: as a subject line tag at the start of the subject line. Do
read any message that comes through with that tag. Also, pay attention to reminders that
come through for members of any group you moderate. You will need to know who has
already gotten a reminder, what it was for, ect...
If you edit a message for a member, send a reminder from the approval message that
Yahoo Groups sends to your in box. Simply click to open it, once the message is opened,
hit reply and it will put the poster's e-mail address in the To: field. You'll have to put the
mod group address in the BBC: field yourself. (This is how Outlook Express works. If you
use another mail program, things will probably work different. I use gmail too and I know it
just puts the message in the body and I have to delete all of the Yahoo stuff and change the
subject line and the to field, which explains why I like Outlook Express better when I have
to handle a lot of group mail.)
If you have your mail set where it includes the original message in your reply, it will all be
there too. If not, simply copy and paste it there. The reminder should explain what you
corrected and why, like that you trimmed for them and how to trim other replies. Anytime
you edit a message for a moderated member, they have to be told about the edit and the
rule and a BBC copy of that message sent to the mod group.
Since all groups have more than one mod and since Yahoo doesn't always send every
message through to moderators, it's a good idea to check the group page at least once a
day for messages if you can. That way you can glance quickly and see if there is anything
there waiting, or if someone else has already taken care of it. Plus, if Yahoo doesn't send a
message, you still catch the waiting message or member and can handle it. On the slower
groups if one message or member is sitting there waiting, it could wait for days or longer
before another message would have you checking the site. (Plus you can only edit messages
from the group page.) You can set up your My Groups page so the groups you moderate are
listed first. That way a click glance at that one page will show you if any messages or
memberships are pending for the groups you moderate.
If a member has been sent a couple or so reminders about trimming, her long sig file, or
any other rule, then you don't spend your time editing any more messages for that
member. Any message they send in that breaks the rules is rejected with a short note
explaining that once they trim, shorten their sig file, or what ever the problem was...that
they can resend their message to the group address. A BBC of that message needs to go to
the mod group too.
There has been some misunderstandings about moderating. Members who are set to
moderated have to have messages approved, so you get to see their messages first and make
sure they are okay and follow all rules before they go on to group. New members and
members who break the rules should stay set to moderated until they follow the rules with
a number of posts.
All messages have to be moderated though. By that I mean even the messages of members
who aren't set to moderated. Their messages just go right through to the group and you
don't have to approve them, but you do have to scan them, check that subject line, that sig
file, see if they are trimmed, on topic for that group, allowed in that group, and so on. If a
message breaks any rule, then that member gets a reminder and it needs to be sent here
too.
If a member flames, spams, or sends in the digest, that person needs to be set to moderated
that moment. If you remind a member a couple of times about a rule, and she does it again
in the very next message she sends, or if you remind her a few times and she follows the
rules a couple messages, then doesn't a couple messages, then follows a couple and so on,
she gets set to moderated also.
The goal is to have as few members as we can set to moderated, but having members who
don't know or won't follow the rules set where their messages just pop through, causes
more work in the long run. If a member sees others do something, then they do it. Plus, if
members think someone gets away with things that others get a reminder for, it causes
hard feelings of course....so it's one set of rules for everyone.
If you change a member to unmoderated don't pick -- **Messages posted by this member
are not moderated. If you do and then if for any reason we change the group settings as a
whole, that member will stay set that way. Instead please pick -- **Use current group
message posting setting. That will move the member to unmoderated, even if they are
brand new.
On list reminders can be sent with a ADMIN: subject line tag. This are only a good idea if
it's something that you know will start a lot to following, like a message that you know is
going to spark all kinds of heat, or a social topic or any topic that will bring a lot of replies
but doesn't belong on RWC. On list reminders are also great if you find yourself sending a
lot of reminders out about the same thing. Say if you notice you have had to send out
double the trim reminders in the last two or three days, then pop one off to the group
too.
Try to keep all reminders friendly, remembering that smiles and even jokes don't come
through in messages like face to face. Of course the friendly starts to fade if you have to
send more than a couple or so reminders to the same person about the same thing, or if
that person has a habit of snapping any time you send her a reminder, or such. New
members some times just need a little extra help. Once in a while we'll even actually get
someone who has never belonged to a group before or doesn't even know what trimming is.
(Smile) The goal isn't to scare people away, or make them afraid to post, it's just to get them
to follow the rules so the digest is easy for members to use, things stay on topic, and
members don't find the group a waste because it's just mostly junk they aren't even
interested in. When you do send a reminder, include the message the reminder is about,
but if you do so from a message that came in to be approved, please trim away the Yahoo
group owner and moderator stuff. That would be the section that shows the info the
moderator needs, like the e-mail address to reject the message or the group address to click
on to approve the message, ect.... That information doesn't need to be forwarded to
members. Also, remember to change the subject line and add something like RWC Trim
Reminder, RWC Message Not Posted, or RWC Sig Reminder, ect... And delete what ever else
was there.
When a request to approve a new member comes in from Yahoo Groups, you should
almost always approve the member. Since all new members are auto set to moderated, we
can watch their first few posts and make sure they have joined for the right reasons. The
only time you should not approve a membership is if the e-mail address or the comment
added in the request is way out there. I've gotten addresses that were clearly from a
company that wouldn't be joining a writing group, and I've had comments come through
with a request that made me blush and had nothing to do with writing. I'm sure you'll know
which memberships to reject without even a second thought, that's how plain they will be.
Thankfully those are very few and far between.
Rejecting messages.... You don't have to actually reject them to not put them through. I
often just delete them and then reply to the message Yahoo sent for approval, sending to
the member with a note about the message not being put through and why, ect....
Anytime you do reject or send a reminder to a member, please remember to send a copy of
that message here so other mods watching the same group, and me, know that it's already
been handled. Also, always please make sure you BBC that copy to the mod group
address. Not CC it here. BBC means the other person can't see that you sent a copy to this
address too. Also please make sure you include the header from that message. That way we
know which group the message was for, and the name and e-mail address of the person
who got the reminder, and can even see the subject line. If you send the reminder from
the group page you will have to take the extra step of copying and pasting that info into the
message that you copy and paste to send to the mod group. That's why even before the mod
group, just for my own records, I just found it easier to reply from e-mail from the original
message Yahoo Groups sent for me to approve. In Outlook Express I could just click on the
attachment and do it really easy, with G-mail I have to actually reply and delete a lot of stuff
and change the subject line and the to line.
If a member is having trouble with posts and needs to send in a test or to try a few times to
figure out how to get things right, if that member is not set to moderated, switch them to
moderated before they do any tests. That way the whole group doesn't have to deal with the
test messages and the digest isn't messed up if it's a big problem. When the member is set
to moderated, you can go in and check each message she sends and bounce it back so she
can see what hasn't worked so far.
New memberships should "almost" always be approved. At least 99.9% of the time. I like to
get everyone at least a chance unless there's just something in the request that is majorly
off, like porn, or I'm ten and would like to join, or ect... (All members have to be at least 18
to join because of some of the topics that come up on a romance writing group, so a person
mentions in the request that she or he is under 18, please reject the membership and send
the person a nice note explaining that members have to be 18 or above to join.) Since all
new members are set to moderated, and the groups are set up where members can't go in
and just click on something a get a listing of everyone's e-mail addresses, unless there is a
huge red flag like I mentioned above, just approve the person and wait and watch. To be
honest, usually the spammers join through e-mail and add no comments at all. It's also
gotten where those are few and far between now. At one time it was very common stuff.
If a new member sends spam -- I've seen it sent for porn, dating sites, ect... -- don't reply to
the person. Don't reject the message even, just delete it. Then remove the member and ban
that address. This is only for "true" spam. Not just for people who join and then try to push
their book or their author site. Those messages don't get put through either, but don't
remove the author or ban her. Just delete or reject the message, and then send a note as to
why.
When you approve messages for the critique group along with making sure that member
doesn't owe a critique before they sub, you need to check for all the other rules, like
trimming away the chapter when they send a thanks, and ect... Also always make sure the
subject tag is correct. The counter uses those to help her, and members and us moderators
often have to go back through messages and need those tags. :-) If someone slips, correct
the subject tag for them, and then send them a reminder. If you correct a number of
subject lines for them, then start rejecting their messages with a note that they need to
correct the subject line and resend. If they aren't set to moderated, then just send them a
reminder. If they slip a time or two more, set them back to moderated and follow the rules
above. There's a copy of a form reminder in the Files section on this group, for subject tag
reminders. It points out that sending in a crit with sub in the subject line can cause them
not to get credit for the critique, and even have it counted against them as a sub.
If you are ever unsure about any message for any reason, please let me know and I'll check
it out.
The critique group and the main group never really need a kick to get going, but the other
groups really do. If you are one of the mods over one of those dead groups, remember to
stir things up at least once in a while. Of course what kind of message you send should fit
the group and start topics that belong there. Sometimes a starter works, and sometimes
not. All you can do is try now and then and see if anyone bites. (Smile)
If I skipped over anything you don't understand or if I confused you about something, just
drop me a note and I'll do better. (Smile)
Info for Main RWC Mods
The main group is the largest and most active RWC group. The group rules pretty much
cover everything you'll need to know about the main group. Because of the size of the
membership, it's really important that members stay on topic and follow all group rules. (Of
course it's important on the other groups too.) On the main group's rule page you will find
info on the normal rules, promo rules, and more. They are explained in good detail.
Info for Critique Mods
When you approve messages for the critique group, along with making sure that member
doesn't owe a critique before they sub, you need to check the message and make sure it
follows all of the other rules, including formatting, word length, all caps for critiques,
trimming the chapter out for a thanks, detailed helpful critique, genre, ect....
Always make sure the subject tag is correct. The counter uses those to help her and
members, and us moderators often have to go back through messages and need those tags.
If someone slips, correct the subject tag for them, and then send them a reminder, pointing
out if they left sub in as the tag for a critique that they might not get credit for the critique
and even have it count as a sub. If you correct a number of subject lines for any member,
then start rejecting their messages with a note that they need to correct the subject line
and resend to the group address. If they aren't set to moderated, then just send them a
reminder, setting them back to moderated if they repeat the mistake.
If a member sends in a critique that isn't done in all caps, send it right back to her with a
note explaining that it has to be redone in all caps in line edit form following the group
rules and then resent. If it was from a member not set to moderated, which should hardly
ever happen since all new members are set to moderated, send her a note off list that the
critique will not count and why. Then drop the counter a note about it to make sure she
catches the problem.
Watch for members who do hit and miss critiques. They do critiques where there are long
sections of mistake that they don't comment on, they kind of add a word or two in a couple
or a few places, trying to make it look like they put in some effort, and then send it on.
There was one member would always only critiqued the first half of the chapter, never
putting one comment in the bottom half of any. Another member actually copied critiques
that others did and sent them in as her own. It's funny the work some members will do to
get out of doing a couple of critiques. If you notice a pattern of a member who seems to luck
up and always get chapters that she just finds almost nothing wrong with, but that you
notice others find enough wrong with, contact her and remind her that as explained in the
group rules, only very detailed critiques will be counted.
Keeping track of members who are behind in critiques. Our database keeper sends a list to
the mod group each month of members who are behind in critiques. I go in and make sure
those members are all set to moderated. If any of them try to post a sub, you simply bounce
it back to them with a note saying they are behind and telling them how many critiques
they need to do before they will be able to send in a sub. If that member had a -1 beside
her name on the list, that would mean she would need to do three critiques before sending
in a sub. The one she is behind on, and then the normal two all members have to do to be
allowed to send in a sub. So it's the negative number listed by them and the normal two...
then they can send in one sub. It can be good to remind them that most members do extra
when they have the time or don't have any of their own work to send in, so they stay ahead
so it's not a problem. The simplest way to keep up with who is behind and make sure they
don't post a sub is to print out the list of those behind when it comes in to the mod group
each month and then watch for any posts from those members. If they send in a critique,
and say they have a -1 by their name, mark out the one and write in something so you
remember they still owe the normal two. If not, they'll send in a sub and be two behind. I
know it's a pain, but it's the only way to keep up with the members who don't want to do
their fair share.
New members often need extra watching. So when you see a request to join the group come
in, make note of the address even if another mod approves it. Watch and make sure that
member sends in two critiques that follow all of the rules before she post a sub.
Sample Reminders
This are some form reminders I use, since you usually have to send the same reminders
over and over. You can use them, or your own, or a mixture of both. At least with the info
below you'll have an idea of what a reminder for a lot of common things should cover and
look like.
Do remember to always be nice, explain the problem, explain how to fix it, point out where
the rules are, start the message with a hi and the members name, close with something
like thanks or if you have questions let me know, or what ever the reminder calls for.
Hope they help.
(When you send a reminder to a member, change the subject line so it will be noticed by
them. Something like, RWC Trim Reminder, RWC Reminder, RWC Message Not Posted,
ect.. What ever fits the reminder you are sending.)
** Long Trim Reminder (For New Members or Members who haven't posted before.)
This is just a quick reminder about trimming messages. When you reply to a message on
list, you need to trim away all of the original message but the single from line that gives the
sender's name and e-mail address, and then most of the text from the body of the message,
leaving just enough to let us know what you are replying to--usually three or four lines are
plenty, thanks to the subject line, your reply, and the fact that we have already seen the
original message.
Tight trimming is important because we have lots of members set to digest, which means
they get a number of messages sent together as one file. It's a real headache to have to try
to skim through repeated long passages of text just to find the few new sentences that have
been added. We have members who still use dial up, or have limited in box space, so bigger
files can be a problem for them too. Other members have to deal with hand problems from
years of writing, like corporal tunnel. Some members just don't have the extra time to skim
through lots of repeated stuff. Besides, trimming is just considered good net manners in a
group setting. :-) You can find a link to each RWC group's rules on the RWC page here....
http://www.charlottedillon.com/RWC.html
---------------------------------------------
** Trimmed for You (Common reminder when someone slips once in a great while.)
I put the below message through for you, but only after I trimmed it. RWC has tight trim
rules that have to be followed anytime you reply to a message on list. You can see how I
trimmed your message when it comes through to the group. You can find a link to each
RWC group's rules on the RWC page here....
http://www.charlottedillon.com/RWC.html
----------------------------------------------
** Message not posted because it wasn't trimmed (This is for when you've already sent a
member a couple of reminders about trimming, or you know other mods have sent them.
Instead of keeping up the trimming for them, you bounce it back with this message.)
The below message was not posted to the group because it was not trimmed as explained in
the group rules. Once you trim, please resend to the group address. You can find a link to a
copy of the group rules on this page... http://www.charlottedillon.com/RWC.html
Thanks for your help!
---------------------------------------------
** Group Rules
The best place to read the most recent copy and detailed copy of the group rules, in the
easiest format complete with working links and a FAQ section is to read them from the
RWC page on my site. There's a main page to give you the set up of things, then links and
info to each and every RWC group, including each groups own rule page and FAQ section.
Find all of that info and more here... http://www.charlottedillon.com/RWC.html
---------------------------------------
** Over the Limit Sig File (For New Members or to use parts of as needed with any member.)
All RWC groups have a four line limit for sig files. That's your name, your address, your
website link, book title, or what ever else you want to close each message with. Your sig
starts with the first place you sign your name and includes any lines of text, marks, blank
lines, lines that double after sent because of length, or what ever else you add.
There are two things that all members should include in their sigs, their name, first only is
fine, nickname is fine too, and then their e-mail address, since members sometimes need
to reply to a message off list and many mail programs and even the Yahoo Group page
doesn't show the sender's full e-mail address. After the first line with your name and e-mail
address on it, that leaves you three other lines to do with as you please. Short lines though.
If you send in long lines of text, they will split in half and become two lines after they go
through to the group. If you send in a sig file that has HTML in it, the links will usually
repeat and add an extra line to your sig file. (A sig file's length isn't counted as you send it,
but as the length it comes through to members.)
The things I've heard that most writers look for in a sig from another writer is the basics
really...name, e-mail address, website address, title of published books along with the name
of the publisher...and that's about it. Any more info wanted, and they have every thing in
that sig they need to contact you off list, or pop over to your website.
If you have more than one book out at the time and really want to list each title, you can
have one extra line per book up to a point. That means if you have one book out...you get
four lines. If you have two books out, you get one extra line to list that second book's title.
Three books and you get one more extra line to list that third book's title. Six lines is the
limit though, and if there are six lines, then there should be at least three book titles listed
in those six lines. After that, I really think the link to your site is enough info for them to
find other books. 'Books out' means those books are up where people can buy them right
then, or in the next few weeks.
------------------------------------------------
** Over the Limit Sig File Reminder (Those who have been sent reminders before.)
RWC has a four line limit for sigs unless a second or third book title is added, at which
point you get a fifth line for the second and sixth for that third title. I edited your sig file
this time and sent it through to the group. You can see it in the message when it comes
through.
----------------------------------------------------
** Changed Sub to Crit in subject line for member
I put the below chapter through for you after I corrected the subject line. Please remember
when you send in a critique you have to delete SUB and type in CRIT. If not, you might not
get credit for the critique. You could even have it counted as a sub against your counts. I've
found it helpful to make a habit out of simply double checking the subject line before you
hit send.
-----------------------------------------
** Wrong tag went through for critique group
Please remember when you send in a critique you have to delete SUB and type in CRIT. If
not, you might not get credit for the critique. You could even have it counted as a sub
against your counts. It's usually best to make a habit out of always double checking the
subject line before you hit send, no matter which tag you are using.
Info for WS & Q&A Helpers
We have writing workshops and Q&As on the main RWC group for writers, and author
Q&As on the RRC group for readers. WS & Q&A helpers contact people and invite them to
do a workshop or Q&A. If someone agrees to do a WS or Q&A, the helper checks the
Calendar on the mod group page to see which dates are open, and then contacts the
person again and gives them the dates and sees when they would like to set it up--this can
be done weeks ahead, even a couple of months or more ahead. As soon as you get a date,
please send me the date and the name of the person who will be doing the WS or Q&A and,
if it's for the main RWC group, what the topic will be. I'll add the info to the Calendar to
make sure no one else sets any thing up on the same date. I'll also set up an auto reminder
for Yahoo to send to the mod group a few days before the event is to begin. The helper who
sets up a WS or Q&A serves as the host for it and collects needed info from the person
giving it, like a bio and intro.
Workshops or Q&As on the main RWC group should only cover writing topics that would be
helpful to romance writers. They always start on a Wednesday and last at least three days
but no more than six. A Q&A on the main RWC group can't be just an ask-the-author-
whatever thing, but has to have a topic that the author is covering. Like maybe a historical
romance author would do a Q&A on how to do research while a paranormal author might
do one of how to develop paranormal characters. Helpers may invite an agent to do an ask-
the-agent-whatever Q&A that doesn't center on a topic, but the agent has to be a well
known agent with a good track record. The same thing goes for editors, as long as the editor
is from a big-time well-known publisher. (In the case of inviting an agent or editor, please
always contact me before you contact them. I'm picky about agents and editors because I
don't want anyone who might be below standard fishing for new writers on RWC. There are
just too many new writers there and I'd feel responsible if an agent or editor came into the
group and some of the writers signed with someone they would have been better off without
just because that person reached them through RWC.)
Q&As on the RRC group are author promo really, a chance for a romance author to reach
out and interest a few more readers. They are ask-the-author-whatever events. They always
start on a Friday and end on Sunday night, so they are short. The authors usually offer a
couple of free books or something like that as a prize for members who ask questions
during the Q&A. Winners are most often drawn randomly by me from those who did ask a
question, unless the author wants to handle it some other way.
Form Welcome for RRC Q&A Guest
The little section below is a from welcome you can copy and paste and use for authors who
have agreed to do a Q&A on RRC. It explains everything they need to know on what to send
you, how the Q&As are handled, about using the subject tag, the sub addresses, and more.
It should be sent to each guest after their date is set up for sure.
* * *
Thanks so much for taking the time to do a Q&A with the RRC group. I'm sure our readers
will enjoy your short visit. By the way, it doesn't have to be short. Feel free to hang around
as a member after the Q&A is over. We have as many
writers as we do readers.
RRC Q&As always begin on a Friday and end on the following Sunday, so they are short. If
you can, start Friday morning and hang around until Sunday night. If a question comes in
Sunday night after you are done, or Monday and you are still around, feel free to go ahead
and answer if you want.
When you get ready to join the group, send a blank message to...
RRClist-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
At least a few days before your Q&A is supposed to start, please send me your author bio.
You can also send the blurb from your book and or an excerpt from it. I'll put it through to
the group at least a day or two before your Q&A begins. Only plain text can be sent
through to the group, so that means I can't use cover pictures and such.
When you send in the bio, please also let me know if you will be giving away a prize or
prizes, how many and what they are. Winners are selected randomly from those members
who send in questions for you during the Q&A. The winners will be announced on list and
given your e-mail address so they can contact you off list about the prize and give you what
info you need so you can get it to them.
Like with any guest spot, it's a good idea to spread the word to your friends and fans so
they can show up and support you. That way you know you will have some questions asked
even if members are being shy or slow. Many authors announce their up coming chats
through their newsletter, blog, website, ect... It helps to supply the RRC sub address as
well as to mention that you will be giving away a prize. This helps you and helps RRC grow
bigger so there are more members there for the next author, and even more members for
your next guest spot. Yes, you are welcome to do a Q&A again on RRC. I do ask that they
be at least three months apart though. That way you might have a new book to promote or
at least there will be some new readers there for you to reach, which is the whole idea.
Since other messages might come through RRC while you are doing your Q&A, please use
Q&A: at the start of your subject line as a tag. That way members who are following the
Q&A will be able to keep up and you won't have to deal with all messages that come
through the group, but only those that have the Q&A tag at the start of the subject line.
When you post your first message on Friday for the Q&A, make it a friendly hello intro that
let's members know you are there and ready to go. You can include promo info in that
message, like the link to your site, to your blog, to join your newsletter, ect... For all other
messages you send it's a good idea to include a sig that gives members info like a link to
your website and the title of your book.
To post a message to the group, send it to RRClist@yahoogroups.com
Thanks again for doing a Q&A for members. If you have any questions or problems, please
let me know.
like they send members reminders when they break a rule. (Smile) I know that no one likes
getting reminders, and I really hate sending them to moderators since some people take
reminders so badly and moderators are there offering their help and time freely, but of
course there is no way things will work if I don't send moderators reminders if they make a
mistake. If you send a member a reminder because her sig file is three lines long and tell
her it's over the limit, but the actual rule is she was allowed four lines or maybe even five
because of two titles in the sig file, then if I don't send you a reminder about the rule, how
will you know next time? Not to mention how confused the poor member will be. (Smile) In
other words it's my job to make sure the moderators don't make a mistake, just like it's
your job to make sure the members don't, so please take any reminder I send you as a
helping hand not a wet noodle. Here's hoping all members take your reminders with as
much understanding.**
The RWC-Moderator group is set up only for moderators and helpers of the RWC groups
and sister groups, including RRC. I'll sub you to that group and Yahoo will send you a
message about it, if I haven't done so already. Below are the rules that all moderators and
helpers should always follow. I know it's a lot of info, but this can't work if all moderators
and helpers aren't always on the same page, always following the same rules, and being
consistent at all times. One moderator can't say or allow one thing with members and
another moderator want something different from them.
Some sections of the info below is set up only for moderators or helpers of a certain group.
You can skip over those sections if you aren't a helper or moderator for that group. Other
parts, like the first one below, is for all moderators and helpers. Please refer back to this
page, and or the rule page for the group you moderate, if you are ever unsure of something
or think you might have forgotten something. If you still aren't sure, feel free to drop me a
note and I'll help you in anyway I can. You can also ask on the mod group. (Do remember if
you ask there to use MOD: as a subject line tag at the start of the subject line so we know
it's a question or comment for mods and not a BCC of a reminder.) Sometimes even another
moderator will answer or help. I try to watch the reminders that mods BCC to the mod
group and make sure that no one misunderstands a rule or is making mistakes, but I might
miss a message sometimes, and asking or looking it up if you are unsure saves me having
to send a reminder and saves the member wondering if we even know the rules. hehehe
Thanks!
(Near the bottom of this page you will find a listing of all moderators and helpers and what
each are signed up for. If you are listed any where you didn't mean to be listed or if you can
no longer do the job you agreed to do, or if you want to be added to something else as well,
please let me know. Thanks again for your help.)
Here's how things work on the mod group...
1) All posts and info sent to and through the mod group are considered private and only
intended for those there -- the moderators and helpers. Please don't forward or discuss the
messages with anyone who isn't part of the mod group. That includes people who step
down from being a helper or moderator and leave the group.
2) When you send any message as a moderator to a member, please ALWAYS BCC that
message to the mod group address with the original text from that person left in it so
there is a record of the message you sent a reply about, as well as what you sent and the
header of the original message the member sent so we can see clearly which member sent
the message, that member's e-mail address, and to which group the message was sent. This
way other moderators will see if there is a member who has a habit of not trimming or of
starting flames, or just seeming to do blatant promo a lot. You will also have that message
here to look back at if you need it to see who you have sent the same reminders to before,
or for any other reason. Please note if you reject a message or send a reminder from the
group page, you will have to copy and paste the header separately since it isn't part of the
body of the text on the group page. If you do it through your e-mail program, the header
should be in the body of the message with the other text and you can just copy it all at
once.
Cheat Sheet for Reminders
a) Make sure all of the original message is left in your reply so the member can see her
complete message and so can the other mods.
b) Make sure the To: field is addressed to the member's address, not the group her
message was sent to. If not, the reminder is going to go to that group. The member it was
meant for might not even see it, and you've just a sent an untrimmed message intended for
one person to the group. Which means you just broke at least two rules yourself. (Smile)
c) Make sure the mod group address is in the BCC: field so the mod group gets a copy of
the reminder so other mods don't repeat it and so we have a record of it. This is very
important since there are a number of mods on each group and reminders go out even for
messages that have already posted to the group, not just to those who are set to moderated.
The BBC means that the member getting the reminder doesn't see the mod group address.
d) Edit the subject line so it contains something other than the original subject which the
member might just scan over and delete thinking it is only a group reply. It's best to add
something to the subject line RWC Reminder, RWC Trim Reminder, RWC Message Not
Posted, or what ever fits for that reminder. Please place it at the start of the subject line so
it's the first thing the member sees.
e) As you write your reminder, always remember to explain both the problem, the rule, and
the corrections. Makes for longer reminders but that can't be helped. After a member has
been reminded a few times about the same thing or things, save your fingers and let those
reminders get shorter and to the point.
3) Please remember the rules are enforced the same for all members, published or not, and
that routine reminders shouldn't be harsh or curt or rude. Smiles and tones don't come
through in messages so short and to the point messages or certain wording can really come
across in a way that you don't mean. Members will then either get mad or upset and not
post, or be scared off from posting. Neither is the result we are after. Of course helpers and
moderators should get the same respect back too. (If you have reminded the same member
of the rules a couple of times recently, or if that member snaps any time you do have to
send a reminder, then short and to the point is fair.)
4) Members of the mod group should keep their messages set to individual and not digest.
There aren't that many messages through the mod group and when a message does come
through, it could be something that needs to be handled right then. The same setting
should also be used for any group that you moderate. You can not be a good moderator if
the group mail you are supposed to watch is set to digest so you get it a day after the
members.
5) If you find that you aren't going to have the time or be able to do the work you
volunteered for, please let us know instead of just leaving the group or not doing your fair
share. If at all possible, please try to give us at least a week's or so notice before you leave
so there will be time to find someone to take your spot and maybe for them to get the hang
of things.
Now that all of that is behind us, I just wanted to quickly thank you again for offering your
help and spending the hours you will helping RWC and her sister groups continue to be
the great groups that they have come to be known as.
By the by, it's fine to be a little social on the mod group and get to know each other. After
all, when it comes to the RWC groups, we have each other's backs, so to speak.
More Info For All Mods
There will be plenty of reminders coming through the mod group, and we sure don't want
to read them all. So, if you need to send a message to the mod group that isn't a reminder
that is being BBCed but a message that you want one or more of the other moderators or
helpers to read, please use MOD: as a subject line tag at the start of the subject line. Do
read any message that comes through with that tag. Also, pay attention to reminders that
come through for members of any group you moderate. You will need to know who has
already gotten a reminder, what it was for, ect...
If you edit a message for a member, send a reminder from the approval message that
Yahoo Groups sends to your in box. Simply click to open it, once the message is opened,
hit reply and it will put the poster's e-mail address in the To: field. You'll have to put the
mod group address in the BBC: field yourself. (This is how Outlook Express works. If you
use another mail program, things will probably work different. I use gmail too and I know it
just puts the message in the body and I have to delete all of the Yahoo stuff and change the
subject line and the to field, which explains why I like Outlook Express better when I have
to handle a lot of group mail.)
If you have your mail set where it includes the original message in your reply, it will all be
there too. If not, simply copy and paste it there. The reminder should explain what you
corrected and why, like that you trimmed for them and how to trim other replies. Anytime
you edit a message for a moderated member, they have to be told about the edit and the
rule and a BBC copy of that message sent to the mod group.
Since all groups have more than one mod and since Yahoo doesn't always send every
message through to moderators, it's a good idea to check the group page at least once a
day for messages if you can. That way you can glance quickly and see if there is anything
there waiting, or if someone else has already taken care of it. Plus, if Yahoo doesn't send a
message, you still catch the waiting message or member and can handle it. On the slower
groups if one message or member is sitting there waiting, it could wait for days or longer
before another message would have you checking the site. (Plus you can only edit messages
from the group page.) You can set up your My Groups page so the groups you moderate are
listed first. That way a click glance at that one page will show you if any messages or
memberships are pending for the groups you moderate.
If a member has been sent a couple or so reminders about trimming, her long sig file, or
any other rule, then you don't spend your time editing any more messages for that
member. Any message they send in that breaks the rules is rejected with a short note
explaining that once they trim, shorten their sig file, or what ever the problem was...that
they can resend their message to the group address. A BBC of that message needs to go to
the mod group too.
There has been some misunderstandings about moderating. Members who are set to
moderated have to have messages approved, so you get to see their messages first and make
sure they are okay and follow all rules before they go on to group. New members and
members who break the rules should stay set to moderated until they follow the rules with
a number of posts.
All messages have to be moderated though. By that I mean even the messages of members
who aren't set to moderated. Their messages just go right through to the group and you
don't have to approve them, but you do have to scan them, check that subject line, that sig
file, see if they are trimmed, on topic for that group, allowed in that group, and so on. If a
message breaks any rule, then that member gets a reminder and it needs to be sent here
too.
If a member flames, spams, or sends in the digest, that person needs to be set to moderated
that moment. If you remind a member a couple of times about a rule, and she does it again
in the very next message she sends, or if you remind her a few times and she follows the
rules a couple messages, then doesn't a couple messages, then follows a couple and so on,
she gets set to moderated also.
The goal is to have as few members as we can set to moderated, but having members who
don't know or won't follow the rules set where their messages just pop through, causes
more work in the long run. If a member sees others do something, then they do it. Plus, if
members think someone gets away with things that others get a reminder for, it causes
hard feelings of course....so it's one set of rules for everyone.
If you change a member to unmoderated don't pick -- **Messages posted by this member
are not moderated. If you do and then if for any reason we change the group settings as a
whole, that member will stay set that way. Instead please pick -- **Use current group
message posting setting. That will move the member to unmoderated, even if they are
brand new.
On list reminders can be sent with a ADMIN: subject line tag. This are only a good idea if
it's something that you know will start a lot to following, like a message that you know is
going to spark all kinds of heat, or a social topic or any topic that will bring a lot of replies
but doesn't belong on RWC. On list reminders are also great if you find yourself sending a
lot of reminders out about the same thing. Say if you notice you have had to send out
double the trim reminders in the last two or three days, then pop one off to the group
too.
Try to keep all reminders friendly, remembering that smiles and even jokes don't come
through in messages like face to face. Of course the friendly starts to fade if you have to
send more than a couple or so reminders to the same person about the same thing, or if
that person has a habit of snapping any time you send her a reminder, or such. New
members some times just need a little extra help. Once in a while we'll even actually get
someone who has never belonged to a group before or doesn't even know what trimming is.
(Smile) The goal isn't to scare people away, or make them afraid to post, it's just to get them
to follow the rules so the digest is easy for members to use, things stay on topic, and
members don't find the group a waste because it's just mostly junk they aren't even
interested in. When you do send a reminder, include the message the reminder is about,
but if you do so from a message that came in to be approved, please trim away the Yahoo
group owner and moderator stuff. That would be the section that shows the info the
moderator needs, like the e-mail address to reject the message or the group address to click
on to approve the message, ect.... That information doesn't need to be forwarded to
members. Also, remember to change the subject line and add something like RWC Trim
Reminder, RWC Message Not Posted, or RWC Sig Reminder, ect... And delete what ever else
was there.
When a request to approve a new member comes in from Yahoo Groups, you should
almost always approve the member. Since all new members are auto set to moderated, we
can watch their first few posts and make sure they have joined for the right reasons. The
only time you should not approve a membership is if the e-mail address or the comment
added in the request is way out there. I've gotten addresses that were clearly from a
company that wouldn't be joining a writing group, and I've had comments come through
with a request that made me blush and had nothing to do with writing. I'm sure you'll know
which memberships to reject without even a second thought, that's how plain they will be.
Thankfully those are very few and far between.
Rejecting messages.... You don't have to actually reject them to not put them through. I
often just delete them and then reply to the message Yahoo sent for approval, sending to
the member with a note about the message not being put through and why, ect....
Anytime you do reject or send a reminder to a member, please remember to send a copy of
that message here so other mods watching the same group, and me, know that it's already
been handled. Also, always please make sure you BBC that copy to the mod group
address. Not CC it here. BBC means the other person can't see that you sent a copy to this
address too. Also please make sure you include the header from that message. That way we
know which group the message was for, and the name and e-mail address of the person
who got the reminder, and can even see the subject line. If you send the reminder from
the group page you will have to take the extra step of copying and pasting that info into the
message that you copy and paste to send to the mod group. That's why even before the mod
group, just for my own records, I just found it easier to reply from e-mail from the original
message Yahoo Groups sent for me to approve. In Outlook Express I could just click on the
attachment and do it really easy, with G-mail I have to actually reply and delete a lot of stuff
and change the subject line and the to line.
If a member is having trouble with posts and needs to send in a test or to try a few times to
figure out how to get things right, if that member is not set to moderated, switch them to
moderated before they do any tests. That way the whole group doesn't have to deal with the
test messages and the digest isn't messed up if it's a big problem. When the member is set
to moderated, you can go in and check each message she sends and bounce it back so she
can see what hasn't worked so far.
New memberships should "almost" always be approved. At least 99.9% of the time. I like to
get everyone at least a chance unless there's just something in the request that is majorly
off, like porn, or I'm ten and would like to join, or ect... (All members have to be at least 18
to join because of some of the topics that come up on a romance writing group, so a person
mentions in the request that she or he is under 18, please reject the membership and send
the person a nice note explaining that members have to be 18 or above to join.) Since all
new members are set to moderated, and the groups are set up where members can't go in
and just click on something a get a listing of everyone's e-mail addresses, unless there is a
huge red flag like I mentioned above, just approve the person and wait and watch. To be
honest, usually the spammers join through e-mail and add no comments at all. It's also
gotten where those are few and far between now. At one time it was very common stuff.
If a new member sends spam -- I've seen it sent for porn, dating sites, ect... -- don't reply to
the person. Don't reject the message even, just delete it. Then remove the member and ban
that address. This is only for "true" spam. Not just for people who join and then try to push
their book or their author site. Those messages don't get put through either, but don't
remove the author or ban her. Just delete or reject the message, and then send a note as to
why.
When you approve messages for the critique group along with making sure that member
doesn't owe a critique before they sub, you need to check for all the other rules, like
trimming away the chapter when they send a thanks, and ect... Also always make sure the
subject tag is correct. The counter uses those to help her, and members and us moderators
often have to go back through messages and need those tags. :-) If someone slips, correct
the subject tag for them, and then send them a reminder. If you correct a number of
subject lines for them, then start rejecting their messages with a note that they need to
correct the subject line and resend. If they aren't set to moderated, then just send them a
reminder. If they slip a time or two more, set them back to moderated and follow the rules
above. There's a copy of a form reminder in the Files section on this group, for subject tag
reminders. It points out that sending in a crit with sub in the subject line can cause them
not to get credit for the critique, and even have it counted against them as a sub.
If you are ever unsure about any message for any reason, please let me know and I'll check
it out.
The critique group and the main group never really need a kick to get going, but the other
groups really do. If you are one of the mods over one of those dead groups, remember to
stir things up at least once in a while. Of course what kind of message you send should fit
the group and start topics that belong there. Sometimes a starter works, and sometimes
not. All you can do is try now and then and see if anyone bites. (Smile)
If I skipped over anything you don't understand or if I confused you about something, just
drop me a note and I'll do better. (Smile)
Info for Main RWC Mods
The main group is the largest and most active RWC group. The group rules pretty much
cover everything you'll need to know about the main group. Because of the size of the
membership, it's really important that members stay on topic and follow all group rules. (Of
course it's important on the other groups too.) On the main group's rule page you will find
info on the normal rules, promo rules, and more. They are explained in good detail.
Info for Critique Mods
When you approve messages for the critique group, along with making sure that member
doesn't owe a critique before they sub, you need to check the message and make sure it
follows all of the other rules, including formatting, word length, all caps for critiques,
trimming the chapter out for a thanks, detailed helpful critique, genre, ect....
Always make sure the subject tag is correct. The counter uses those to help her and
members, and us moderators often have to go back through messages and need those tags.
If someone slips, correct the subject tag for them, and then send them a reminder, pointing
out if they left sub in as the tag for a critique that they might not get credit for the critique
and even have it count as a sub. If you correct a number of subject lines for any member,
then start rejecting their messages with a note that they need to correct the subject line
and resend to the group address. If they aren't set to moderated, then just send them a
reminder, setting them back to moderated if they repeat the mistake.
If a member sends in a critique that isn't done in all caps, send it right back to her with a
note explaining that it has to be redone in all caps in line edit form following the group
rules and then resent. If it was from a member not set to moderated, which should hardly
ever happen since all new members are set to moderated, send her a note off list that the
critique will not count and why. Then drop the counter a note about it to make sure she
catches the problem.
Watch for members who do hit and miss critiques. They do critiques where there are long
sections of mistake that they don't comment on, they kind of add a word or two in a couple
or a few places, trying to make it look like they put in some effort, and then send it on.
There was one member would always only critiqued the first half of the chapter, never
putting one comment in the bottom half of any. Another member actually copied critiques
that others did and sent them in as her own. It's funny the work some members will do to
get out of doing a couple of critiques. If you notice a pattern of a member who seems to luck
up and always get chapters that she just finds almost nothing wrong with, but that you
notice others find enough wrong with, contact her and remind her that as explained in the
group rules, only very detailed critiques will be counted.
Keeping track of members who are behind in critiques. Our database keeper sends a list to
the mod group each month of members who are behind in critiques. I go in and make sure
those members are all set to moderated. If any of them try to post a sub, you simply bounce
it back to them with a note saying they are behind and telling them how many critiques
they need to do before they will be able to send in a sub. If that member had a -1 beside
her name on the list, that would mean she would need to do three critiques before sending
in a sub. The one she is behind on, and then the normal two all members have to do to be
allowed to send in a sub. So it's the negative number listed by them and the normal two...
then they can send in one sub. It can be good to remind them that most members do extra
when they have the time or don't have any of their own work to send in, so they stay ahead
so it's not a problem. The simplest way to keep up with who is behind and make sure they
don't post a sub is to print out the list of those behind when it comes in to the mod group
each month and then watch for any posts from those members. If they send in a critique,
and say they have a -1 by their name, mark out the one and write in something so you
remember they still owe the normal two. If not, they'll send in a sub and be two behind. I
know it's a pain, but it's the only way to keep up with the members who don't want to do
their fair share.
New members often need extra watching. So when you see a request to join the group come
in, make note of the address even if another mod approves it. Watch and make sure that
member sends in two critiques that follow all of the rules before she post a sub.
Sample Reminders
This are some form reminders I use, since you usually have to send the same reminders
over and over. You can use them, or your own, or a mixture of both. At least with the info
below you'll have an idea of what a reminder for a lot of common things should cover and
look like.
Do remember to always be nice, explain the problem, explain how to fix it, point out where
the rules are, start the message with a hi and the members name, close with something
like thanks or if you have questions let me know, or what ever the reminder calls for.
Hope they help.
(When you send a reminder to a member, change the subject line so it will be noticed by
them. Something like, RWC Trim Reminder, RWC Reminder, RWC Message Not Posted,
ect.. What ever fits the reminder you are sending.)
** Long Trim Reminder (For New Members or Members who haven't posted before.)
This is just a quick reminder about trimming messages. When you reply to a message on
list, you need to trim away all of the original message but the single from line that gives the
sender's name and e-mail address, and then most of the text from the body of the message,
leaving just enough to let us know what you are replying to--usually three or four lines are
plenty, thanks to the subject line, your reply, and the fact that we have already seen the
original message.
Tight trimming is important because we have lots of members set to digest, which means
they get a number of messages sent together as one file. It's a real headache to have to try
to skim through repeated long passages of text just to find the few new sentences that have
been added. We have members who still use dial up, or have limited in box space, so bigger
files can be a problem for them too. Other members have to deal with hand problems from
years of writing, like corporal tunnel. Some members just don't have the extra time to skim
through lots of repeated stuff. Besides, trimming is just considered good net manners in a
group setting. :-) You can find a link to each RWC group's rules on the RWC page here....
http://www.charlottedillon.com/RWC.html
---------------------------------------------
** Trimmed for You (Common reminder when someone slips once in a great while.)
I put the below message through for you, but only after I trimmed it. RWC has tight trim
rules that have to be followed anytime you reply to a message on list. You can see how I
trimmed your message when it comes through to the group. You can find a link to each
RWC group's rules on the RWC page here....
http://www.charlottedillon.com/RWC.html
----------------------------------------------
** Message not posted because it wasn't trimmed (This is for when you've already sent a
member a couple of reminders about trimming, or you know other mods have sent them.
Instead of keeping up the trimming for them, you bounce it back with this message.)
The below message was not posted to the group because it was not trimmed as explained in
the group rules. Once you trim, please resend to the group address. You can find a link to a
copy of the group rules on this page... http://www.charlottedillon.com/RWC.html
Thanks for your help!
---------------------------------------------
** Group Rules
The best place to read the most recent copy and detailed copy of the group rules, in the
easiest format complete with working links and a FAQ section is to read them from the
RWC page on my site. There's a main page to give you the set up of things, then links and
info to each and every RWC group, including each groups own rule page and FAQ section.
Find all of that info and more here... http://www.charlottedillon.com/RWC.html
---------------------------------------
** Over the Limit Sig File (For New Members or to use parts of as needed with any member.)
All RWC groups have a four line limit for sig files. That's your name, your address, your
website link, book title, or what ever else you want to close each message with. Your sig
starts with the first place you sign your name and includes any lines of text, marks, blank
lines, lines that double after sent because of length, or what ever else you add.
There are two things that all members should include in their sigs, their name, first only is
fine, nickname is fine too, and then their e-mail address, since members sometimes need
to reply to a message off list and many mail programs and even the Yahoo Group page
doesn't show the sender's full e-mail address. After the first line with your name and e-mail
address on it, that leaves you three other lines to do with as you please. Short lines though.
If you send in long lines of text, they will split in half and become two lines after they go
through to the group. If you send in a sig file that has HTML in it, the links will usually
repeat and add an extra line to your sig file. (A sig file's length isn't counted as you send it,
but as the length it comes through to members.)
The things I've heard that most writers look for in a sig from another writer is the basics
really...name, e-mail address, website address, title of published books along with the name
of the publisher...and that's about it. Any more info wanted, and they have every thing in
that sig they need to contact you off list, or pop over to your website.
If you have more than one book out at the time and really want to list each title, you can
have one extra line per book up to a point. That means if you have one book out...you get
four lines. If you have two books out, you get one extra line to list that second book's title.
Three books and you get one more extra line to list that third book's title. Six lines is the
limit though, and if there are six lines, then there should be at least three book titles listed
in those six lines. After that, I really think the link to your site is enough info for them to
find other books. 'Books out' means those books are up where people can buy them right
then, or in the next few weeks.
------------------------------------------------
** Over the Limit Sig File Reminder (Those who have been sent reminders before.)
RWC has a four line limit for sigs unless a second or third book title is added, at which
point you get a fifth line for the second and sixth for that third title. I edited your sig file
this time and sent it through to the group. You can see it in the message when it comes
through.
----------------------------------------------------
** Changed Sub to Crit in subject line for member
I put the below chapter through for you after I corrected the subject line. Please remember
when you send in a critique you have to delete SUB and type in CRIT. If not, you might not
get credit for the critique. You could even have it counted as a sub against your counts. I've
found it helpful to make a habit out of simply double checking the subject line before you
hit send.
-----------------------------------------
** Wrong tag went through for critique group
Please remember when you send in a critique you have to delete SUB and type in CRIT. If
not, you might not get credit for the critique. You could even have it counted as a sub
against your counts. It's usually best to make a habit out of always double checking the
subject line before you hit send, no matter which tag you are using.
Info for WS & Q&A Helpers
We have writing workshops and Q&As on the main RWC group for writers, and author
Q&As on the RRC group for readers. WS & Q&A helpers contact people and invite them to
do a workshop or Q&A. If someone agrees to do a WS or Q&A, the helper checks the
Calendar on the mod group page to see which dates are open, and then contacts the
person again and gives them the dates and sees when they would like to set it up--this can
be done weeks ahead, even a couple of months or more ahead. As soon as you get a date,
please send me the date and the name of the person who will be doing the WS or Q&A and,
if it's for the main RWC group, what the topic will be. I'll add the info to the Calendar to
make sure no one else sets any thing up on the same date. I'll also set up an auto reminder
for Yahoo to send to the mod group a few days before the event is to begin. The helper who
sets up a WS or Q&A serves as the host for it and collects needed info from the person
giving it, like a bio and intro.
Workshops or Q&As on the main RWC group should only cover writing topics that would be
helpful to romance writers. They always start on a Wednesday and last at least three days
but no more than six. A Q&A on the main RWC group can't be just an ask-the-author-
whatever thing, but has to have a topic that the author is covering. Like maybe a historical
romance author would do a Q&A on how to do research while a paranormal author might
do one of how to develop paranormal characters. Helpers may invite an agent to do an ask-
the-agent-whatever Q&A that doesn't center on a topic, but the agent has to be a well
known agent with a good track record. The same thing goes for editors, as long as the editor
is from a big-time well-known publisher. (In the case of inviting an agent or editor, please
always contact me before you contact them. I'm picky about agents and editors because I
don't want anyone who might be below standard fishing for new writers on RWC. There are
just too many new writers there and I'd feel responsible if an agent or editor came into the
group and some of the writers signed with someone they would have been better off without
just because that person reached them through RWC.)
Q&As on the RRC group are author promo really, a chance for a romance author to reach
out and interest a few more readers. They are ask-the-author-whatever events. They always
start on a Friday and end on Sunday night, so they are short. The authors usually offer a
couple of free books or something like that as a prize for members who ask questions
during the Q&A. Winners are most often drawn randomly by me from those who did ask a
question, unless the author wants to handle it some other way.
Form Welcome for RRC Q&A Guest
The little section below is a from welcome you can copy and paste and use for authors who
have agreed to do a Q&A on RRC. It explains everything they need to know on what to send
you, how the Q&As are handled, about using the subject tag, the sub addresses, and more.
It should be sent to each guest after their date is set up for sure.
* * *
Thanks so much for taking the time to do a Q&A with the RRC group. I'm sure our readers
will enjoy your short visit. By the way, it doesn't have to be short. Feel free to hang around
as a member after the Q&A is over. We have as many
writers as we do readers.
RRC Q&As always begin on a Friday and end on the following Sunday, so they are short. If
you can, start Friday morning and hang around until Sunday night. If a question comes in
Sunday night after you are done, or Monday and you are still around, feel free to go ahead
and answer if you want.
When you get ready to join the group, send a blank message to...
RRClist-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
At least a few days before your Q&A is supposed to start, please send me your author bio.
You can also send the blurb from your book and or an excerpt from it. I'll put it through to
the group at least a day or two before your Q&A begins. Only plain text can be sent
through to the group, so that means I can't use cover pictures and such.
When you send in the bio, please also let me know if you will be giving away a prize or
prizes, how many and what they are. Winners are selected randomly from those members
who send in questions for you during the Q&A. The winners will be announced on list and
given your e-mail address so they can contact you off list about the prize and give you what
info you need so you can get it to them.
Like with any guest spot, it's a good idea to spread the word to your friends and fans so
they can show up and support you. That way you know you will have some questions asked
even if members are being shy or slow. Many authors announce their up coming chats
through their newsletter, blog, website, ect... It helps to supply the RRC sub address as
well as to mention that you will be giving away a prize. This helps you and helps RRC grow
bigger so there are more members there for the next author, and even more members for
your next guest spot. Yes, you are welcome to do a Q&A again on RRC. I do ask that they
be at least three months apart though. That way you might have a new book to promote or
at least there will be some new readers there for you to reach, which is the whole idea.
Since other messages might come through RRC while you are doing your Q&A, please use
Q&A: at the start of your subject line as a tag. That way members who are following the
Q&A will be able to keep up and you won't have to deal with all messages that come
through the group, but only those that have the Q&A tag at the start of the subject line.
When you post your first message on Friday for the Q&A, make it a friendly hello intro that
let's members know you are there and ready to go. You can include promo info in that
message, like the link to your site, to your blog, to join your newsletter, ect... For all other
messages you send it's a good idea to include a sig that gives members info like a link to
your website and the title of your book.
To post a message to the group, send it to RRClist@yahoogroups.com
Thanks again for doing a Q&A for members. If you have any questions or problems, please
let me know.
**RWC Main Group
Hallee - halleeb gmail.com
Kelly - kmwr2003 yahoo.com
Cat - PurrfectSolution aol.com
Teresa - myswriter2000 yahoo.com
Lisa - weeziedavis yahoo.com
Evelyn - mguy3450 indco.net
MJ - angemariemb msn.com
Charlotte - charlottedillon bellsouth.net
**RWCcritique
Toni - toniwhiston gmail.com
Cariann - CAR1ann43 aol.com
Michelle - rgraff atlanticbb.net
Hallee - halleeb gmail.com
Carol - puzlqueen57 yahoo.com
Charlotte - charlottedillon bellsouth.net
**RWCPrompt
Toni - toniwhiston gmail.com
Lisa - weeziedavis yahoo.com
Charlotte - charlottedillon bellsouth.net
**RWC-Other
Carol - puzlqueen57 yahoo.com
Charlotte - charlottedillon bellsouth.net
**RWCchallenge
Kelly - kmwr2003yahoo.com
Cat - PurrfectSolution aol.com
Hallee - halleeb gmail.com
Cariann - CAR1ann43 aol.com
Charlotte - charlottedillon bellsouth.net
**RWCsocial
Toni - toniwhiston gmail.com
Lisa - weeziedavis yahoo.com
Charlotte - charlottedillon bellsouth.net
**RRC -- Romance Readers Community
Lisa - weeziedavis yahoo.com
Charlotte - charlottedillon bellsouth.net
Helpers for.....
**Weekly talk prompt for main group.
Toni - toniwhiston gmail.com
**Weekly writing prompt for prompt group.
Charlotte - charlottedillon bellsouth.net
*Line up people to do writing Q&As or workshops for
the main RWC group, and author Q&As for the RRC
readers group. The person who lines up the Q&A or
workshop also steps in as the host throughout it.
Charlotte - charlottedillon bellsouth.net
**Set challenges for the challenge group. And/or make
a list of goals members set and post them to the group at
the start and end of the challenge.
Cat - PurrfectSolution aol.com
Charlotte - charlottedillon bellsouth.net
**Database keepers and counters for critique group.
Counter - Cariann - CAR1ann43 aol.com
Database Keeper - Angela - ajefferson10 comcast.net
Hallee - halleeb gmail.com
Kelly - kmwr2003 yahoo.com
Cat - PurrfectSolution aol.com
Teresa - myswriter2000 yahoo.com
Lisa - weeziedavis yahoo.com
Evelyn - mguy3450 indco.net
MJ - angemariemb msn.com
Charlotte - charlottedillon bellsouth.net
**RWCcritique
Toni - toniwhiston gmail.com
Cariann - CAR1ann43 aol.com
Michelle - rgraff atlanticbb.net
Hallee - halleeb gmail.com
Carol - puzlqueen57 yahoo.com
Charlotte - charlottedillon bellsouth.net
**RWCPrompt
Toni - toniwhiston gmail.com
Lisa - weeziedavis yahoo.com
Charlotte - charlottedillon bellsouth.net
**RWC-Other
Carol - puzlqueen57 yahoo.com
Charlotte - charlottedillon bellsouth.net
**RWCchallenge
Kelly - kmwr2003yahoo.com
Cat - PurrfectSolution aol.com
Hallee - halleeb gmail.com
Cariann - CAR1ann43 aol.com
Charlotte - charlottedillon bellsouth.net
**RWCsocial
Toni - toniwhiston gmail.com
Lisa - weeziedavis yahoo.com
Charlotte - charlottedillon bellsouth.net
**RRC -- Romance Readers Community
Lisa - weeziedavis yahoo.com
Charlotte - charlottedillon bellsouth.net
Helpers for.....
**Weekly talk prompt for main group.
Toni - toniwhiston gmail.com
**Weekly writing prompt for prompt group.
Charlotte - charlottedillon bellsouth.net
*Line up people to do writing Q&As or workshops for
the main RWC group, and author Q&As for the RRC
readers group. The person who lines up the Q&A or
workshop also steps in as the host throughout it.
Charlotte - charlottedillon bellsouth.net
**Set challenges for the challenge group. And/or make
a list of goals members set and post them to the group at
the start and end of the challenge.
Cat - PurrfectSolution aol.com
Charlotte - charlottedillon bellsouth.net
**Database keepers and counters for critique group.
Counter - Cariann - CAR1ann43 aol.com
Database Keeper - Angela - ajefferson10 comcast.net
Moderators & Helpers
 |  |  |
Rules for the Moderators