When should one respond using private mail?  This is a question that is only
mentioned briefly in the FAQ (it's in the WHAT CAN I POST TO THE ML? section
for those who care) and seems to be ignored.  I would like to give a few basic
guidelines in hopes that people will read and remember them next time they go
to post a message to the mailing list that would better be left to private
mail.

*Did the person you're responding to ask for private responses?
*Does your response contribute anything that hasn't already been mentioned?
(ie.  "I agree" should normally be sent privately.)
*Does your response have any substanence?  (ie. "I liked this fic," is a
response best sent privately)
*Who is your reply going to benefit?  A large number of people on the mailing
list or a small few?  (ie.  In a recent thread titled 'sailor attacks' the
first response gave a list of attacks.  This only helps the person who asked
the question and possible one or two other people.  This should have been a
private response.  On the other hand, the second response by rgorman gave a
web address that can help anyone writing a sailor moon fanfic.  This benefits
a large number of people and should therefore was correctly sent to the FFML.)
*Use common sense.  We all know what it is despite the surprising lack of it
at times.  (I seem to remember flaming someone a few months back for sending a
message to the FFML that said do not read unless you are <someone's e-mail
address here>.)

Well that's my two cents on this issue.  Ideally I'll get a lot of response on
this because I plan on compiling a list and submitting it to Tybalt to be
included in the next FAQ (hopefully).  Please respond privately, there's no
reason for everyone on the list to get a lot of extra mail.

DreAshaman