2012 Message List - The Manual

Interim Listmaster - Paula Smith

To sign up, go to the USCGA Parents web site and click . If you are the parent of a graduate select the company that your graduate was a member of and select the year they graduated or use the 'graduate' status. After you submit your Membership Request it must be approved by a listmaster or webmaster. This is one of the major differences between the old E-Mail List and the new Message List - we can control membership and prevent those who have no valid reason for membership from joining. Under the old E-Mail List framework we really had no useful control over membership and e-mail adderesses could easily be 'hijacked' for spamming and other unscrupulous purposes.

You should receive 2 email messages; one is a welcome message and the other is a membership/introduction to the list. These messages may get trapped in a spam filter. The email messages are from the listmaster so you may need to adjust your spam filter to allow to prevent filtering of messages from the listmaster. Once you are signed up, you can log in to the list by clicking on on our main page. Once on the log-in page, use the email and password you used when you created your profile. You will be presented with a number of options (buttons):

- takes you to a view of the the most recent 20 message topics along with a button to read the message details and the ability to move back and forth 20 messages at a time.

- takes you to a view of individual message string. If you have some time and the interest, this may be a good bet to 'catch up' with the list.

- allows you to start a new subject from scratch.

- allows you to post a link to an online photo album (very popular).

- auto-generates an email with your contact information (e-mail address) to a member or members of the list you select to initiate informal email conversations/networking. Use this option for messages you want to send that are intended for one or a few individuals rather than the entire list.

- allows you to update your profile, e.g., change address, phone number, swab activities, email address, password, etc.

- allows you to log off the list if you are logged in using a public computer.

Message List text coloring

When viewing message details, you will notice different colors in the messages. The message 'threads' are color-coded so that you can easily see what kind of message it is. Messages in black are original messages from a list member. Messages in green are from the listmaster. Messages in blue are responses to an original message posted by another member. Messages in red are private messages. If you see red text, it only means that it is a private message and that you are the only one who can see it even though you will view it just as you do all the other messages; no one else will be able to see it.

Message List Protocol

The purpose of the list is to provide a place for parents to ask questions, and share information, advice, and experiences in a positive and supportive way. Some upper class parents will also subscribe to this list, so you will get perspectives from a variety of people. As official information from the Academy becomes available, that will be shared through the list as well.

The list is a group message board. Messages should be intended for the entire group. If you have comments, questions, or information intended for an individual or two, please share those off-list by directly contacting the intended individual(s). You may contact other list members by using the class directory or by using the button on the ‘Class Message List’ home page. These personal contacts may involve such topics as thank-you’s, offers to meet, pick-up, or provide transportation for another’s cadet, or exchange of personal contact information.

Please be very considerate of privacy. Basically, what happens on the list stays on the list. Do NOT send information about any swab or cadet that could be embarrassing. Information shared in this forum should be treated confidentially and not shared outside the list (not even with your swabs). As you experience the emotional roller coaster that is swab summer, some parents will share those ups and downs with the list. This can be very cathartic and it helps other parents to see that others are feeling the same way they are. But such information must stay within the membership of the list in order for the list to remain a safe place for such expression.

SPAM is NOT allowed and will not be posted. Do not send jokes, recipes, chain letters, or other mass mailings.

Do not send ANY attachments. They can't be posted. You may include the information in the body of your message, or you may include links to information that is appropriate to share.

If you have a personal issue you feel is too sensitive to share with the group, put “PRIVATE” or “DO NOT POST” in the subject line. I will respond to you privately.

Sharing of photos is STRONGLY encouraged, but not through the class list. There is a system in place for posting photo albums to the Parent’s Association web site. Use the button to submit a link to the CGA Parents Association photo gallery.

Once you create your profile to join the class list, your “signature” will automatically be appended to your message; there is no need to add a signature. The signature block will include your name and your swab’s name, class year, company, and any activities you put in the profile.

If you have questions or comments contact the 2012 Listmaster or the USCGAPA Webmaster.