Listserv Guidelines

We hope our listserv will provide a convenient way to feel in touch with the GVPA community and facilitate using your colleagues as a resource for all things related to your practice of psychology—whatever stripe. You can unsubscribe at any time simply by clicking on the link at the bottom of any message you receive through the List.

We strongly encourage you to peruse the information below: FAQs, Statement of Purpose and Culture, and Listserv Etiquette. First are a few pieces of information to orient you to the list...

• A "listserv" is a communal email group. Messages sent to the group (hosted by Google Groups) are automatically distributed to all members of the group. Only List members have access to your messages or can post to the list.
• You are automatically enrolled in the listserv when you join GVPA and give us your email address, however you can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link below.
• This listserv is for GVPA members to communicate with each other.
• The List is NOT "official" correspondence from GVPA to its members. Official correspondence will come from the email address: "GVPA" " or from individual Board members.
• When you send a message to a listserv (GVPA-GROUP@GoogleGroups.com), it goes to everyone on the listserv. By default, when you reply to a listserv message, it goes to everyone on the listserv. You can reply directly to the author of a message by substituting their email address for the listserv address—though in most cases, what you have to say to the author might also be helpful to others, and we hope you will mostly reply to the List.
• It is best to consider what you write as not being confidential, and you should apply your usual diligence in protecting your clients' confidentiality (e.g., omitting or changing identifying information). More sensitive discussions, when appropriate, are better conducted more directly (e.g., over the phone).
• TOPICS: Anything that...
  • Is related to psychology or of potential interest to psychologists (including theoretical, clinical, philosophical, sociological, practical, or some political topics; articles, cartoons, book recommendations or reviews; etc.);
  • Enhances or facilitates our sense of community;
  • Requests input that would be of help to you in your practice, or to others (e.g., referral or other resources; information; clinical wisdom or experience; office space needed/available);
  • Is news (in general or your latest exploits, accomplishments, or upcoming events);
  • Serves to moderately promote your self/practice (e.g., starting a group, advertising specialized training or extracurricular activities like Community Theater, etc.), or
  • Anything you might say/ask at a social gathering of professionals (including non-psychology-related topics that you might share or discuss when spending time with colleagues).
• "CULTURE" OF THE LISTSERV/BASIC ETIQUETTE: We want this to be a supportive and friendly venue, without too many rules, to promote communication and increase the experience of community. We try to remain open-minded and civil, and presume we are all persons of good will. As a matter of courtesy and utility, please use the Subject line thoughtfully (balancing specificity with brevity). Be pithy and try to keep to one topic in a single message. Unless otherwise requested, reply to the List rather than the specific author so that we can all benefit from the answer. Delete messages at will and feel free to "lurk" (i.e., read messages without contributing.) There is no reason for the List to become a burden.

If you have questions, write to the current listserv manager (taciannaindovina@gmail.com). I hope you will find this to be a warm, friendly and supportive resource.

LISTSERV ETIQUETTE

Here are some guidelines that help to make a listserv useful without becoming burdensome. Please try to follow them closely.

ASK PERMISSION BEFORE FORWARDING A POSTING.

Because this is a semi-private list and members may discuss things of a sensitive nature, knowing that they are communicating with other professionals, do not circulate messages outside of the List without permission of the author or authors included in the posting. Forwarding to a GVPA member who is not on the List is okay, if you expressly state that they should not forward the message to others. This is to make it safe to discuss real issues in a relaxed atmosphere with other professionals. That said, members should be aware that they do not have control over the message once it has been sent to the List.

USE SUBJECT LINES WELL.

Make them as specific but brief as possible. The goal is for List members to know at a glance whether they should read or delete it. So, “Referral needed” is helpful, but “Referral needed--neo-natal depression” or “…in Topeka KS” is much better.

USE REPLY-TO-LIST.

With some email software, this is the same thing as “REPLY.” If that operation is not available and “REPLY” sends only to the author, use REPLY-TO-ALL. This is not hard and fast. You might want to reply only to the author of a post. But for the most part, others may have had the same question and benefit from your reply, or have something to add. As an author of a post, you may ask for “Back channel” responses (i.e., direct to the author, only) if it seems appropriate, but the same considerations apply. If you get a lot of back-channel replies to a request for resources, you might consider compiling them into a list and posting it.

YOU DO NOT HAVE TO READ OR RESPOND TO EVERY MESSAGE.

Delete at will !“Lurking” (reading without ever responding) is perfectly acceptable—although we’d like you to feel free to contribute. Often a listserv will have a number of frequent contributors, a number of occasional posters, and many who read without posting. If you have something to add or ask please don’t be shy!