LIST RULES Most people surveyed feel there is too much to read already on the boards, and that most of us get more email than we can readily absorb. Thus, this list has some very simple guidelines. It is an e-mail "notification" list (no discussion). The primary purpose is to notify those with "coast" interests about happenings. We all don't have time to read all the various boards at Trainorders, Altamont, Railspot, MTRA, etc looking at all the recent threads for info, so "notification" email has it's place. For those of you who know the particular formats, it's a kinda "mini-foamers". It covers the coast line service (Starlights, San Diegans (oops-"Surfliners"), freights, special movements, etc., from Los Angeles to Oakland, and all UP branches and shortlines connecting. Metrolink & Caltrain, as well as the Capital corridor, should normally be excluded unless something there impacts the main line service. Activity outside that area should not be on the list unless it will affect the line (i.e. very late Starlight in Oregon or such is OK, or a PV move on the Zephyr that will be coming down the coast would be appropriate) NO modeling. Personnel can be mentioned in relation to their jobs, but no "bashing" like goes on with crew base arguments. You cannot sign up without giving a vaid email address. Whether you choose to identify your actual name is totally optional. Posts are NOT TO BE QUESTIONED OR ANSWERED on the list. If you have ANY questions, refer them to the author at the email address. The author should also respond back by direct email, not to the list. If you get very many questions, you should learn to write clearer messages. The only posts that should get a followup are to give more info. i.e. "Pink engine with purple polka dots just blew north thru Santa Barbara" could be followed later by someone else furnishing the road ID of that engine. Everyone has different tastes, so be cognizant of that when posting. i.e. not everyone is a "number cruncher" or cares whether a consist is all grey or solid SD-40's or whatever. If you post about such a consist, it would be nice if you would add what is unique about what you are posting so everyone else knows why you posted that particular item. The kind of "inane" questions that appear on the boards should not be used. i.e. "how's traffic today", or "are they going to add more trains to the coast". If you have that type of question, read the list postings for awhile, identify to yourself who would likely have that kind of info, and make direct email contact. Keep the list postings to "happenings" and questions to a minimum. The list is available as a "digest" (once a day "recap"), but this list should not require you to request a digest. If we stick to posting what's happening instead of "jabber", we'll probably be lucky to see more than a few messages a day. It would be nice if when there's a "[COAST]" post to your email, it's something you're ANXIOUS to read, not just "oh crap - more mail". Reposting from the list to others you frequent are encouraged ("get the word out"). Reposts from other lists are likewise encouraged UNLESS you get the "digest" version, then please do not do so ("digests" are delayed many hours, and it's likely what you want to cross-post has already been posted). Complaints should be directed off-list to the party you have a problem with, and complaints and comments about the list should be directed to me by email also. The list is not edited or screened and whatever someone posts is what you'll get ("onelist" does provide the ability to "unsubscribe" and "block" problem subscribers). I post a regular "another SLO sunday" post each sunday evening with whatever went on with 11/14 when I'm at the station and will add any feedback and/or suggested changes members have made in the last week for general information. If you don't want to read that particular piece, there's always the "delete" key. OK - if you're still interested, welcome to "Heads UP Coast Fans!" To start sending messages to members of this group, simply send email to headsupcoastfans@yahoogroups.com If you do not wish to belong to headsupcoastfans, you may unsubscribe by sending an email to headsupcoastfans-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com You may also visit the yahoo web site to modify your subscriptions: http://groups.yahoo.com/mygroups Regards, Dan Ainsworth, moderator, headsupcoastfans