Welcome to the Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQ) list for rec.arts.mystery newsgroup. Please note, this is NOT an official
charter or set of rules. It's simply a few questions and answers designed to aid
newcomers to the group to find their feet, and stay and play. We like it when
people stay and play.,
1) What is RAM?
RAM is the short form for "rec.arts.mystery" a group that exists
primarily to discuss all forms of the crime fiction and non-fiction genre. And
anything else that springs to mind.
2) So what do you talk about?
Well, first and foremost, we talk about books we have enjoyed and thoroughly
recommend. (Of course, sometimes we have to say we didn't enjoy a book but that
has to be handled with care. Authors read RAM too, and while constructive
criticism is accepted, slams aren't). And then there's the other stuff - see
point 5.
3) Authors read RAM?
Yep, there are several and we're very proud of them. One of the regulars has
produced a list of known RAM authors (i.e. those that post or that we know read
RAM). It's called "Grant's List" and can be found here:-
http://home.cogeco.ca/~gdixon4/RAM/
4) Oooh! <name of author> is one of my favourites! Can I email him/her?
Well, sure, this is a public forum and their email addresses are there to be
seen. But use some common sense - be polite, remember that they are very busy
people and that you might not get a reply. All authors appreciate readers taking
the time to let them know they enjoyed their books, however, it's very
encouraging.
5) Umm, why are there all these strange threads about food and other non-crime
related things?
OK, here's the thing. Like many other newsgroups, RAM is unmoderated. This means
that there is no-one censoring posts, no rules about what can or cannot be
discussed and anarchy rules the day. It also means that over the years, RAM has
developed its own unique style. So yes, there will be oodles of Off-Topic posts
about anything and everything, from politics to weather to food to what someone
did last night to travel reports. If you don't like the Off Topic stuff, well
maybe RAM is not for you. You can, of course, always filter out such threads,
they are usually marked OT or variations thereof (see the RAM Glossary below).
Also, if you don't see someone talking about books you like or a subject you
want to discuss, please, please start a new thread! Sometimes we're just out of
ideas for on-topic discussion and would welcome someone with some new questions
or comments.
6) Hey, some people top post in reply to messages! Isn't that a no-no in Usenet?
In some groups, yes. But we don't care, we're rebellious like that J. Post in
whichever way you feel comfortable.
7) I notice some threads have "SPOILER" in the title. What does that
mean?
It's a courtesy to RAM readers, warning them that major plot points of the
book/movie/tv show are going to be revealed in the post. Usually "spoiler
space" - several blank lines - is added to the post before the spoiler is
revealed, just in case someone opens the post accidentally. It's better to
overdo the spoiler space than underestimate it. Because we're an unmoderated
group, we can't enforce this, but it IS appreciated when it's done. Also
remember RAM is an international group. Just because a book/film/TV programme is
available in your country, doesn't mean that everyone everywhere else has read
it or seen it.
8) What's the Birdy List?
This is a list of the birthdays of the good folks who post to RAM. It was
started and is maintained by Mique, with help from M'Lou and Bud. Basically, if
you want to be on the Birdy List, you email Mique the date (year optional!) and
lo! On the day you'll be able to read lots of Happy Birthday wishes on RAM! It's
our way of making a fuss of you :) The current Birdy List is here: http://www.booksnbytes.com/recartsmystery/birthdays.html
9) Umm. Is it me or are some of these posts not from the people they appear to
be?
It's not you. Certain people on RAM have developed the art of forging posts.
However, they only do this to people they know won't mind and they would never
do it to cause trouble or insult someone or any such thing. Just remember to
check very carefully before reacting to a post, for there are forgers and other
mischievous rogues and ne'er do wells around. :)
10) You all seem to know each other so well, I don't understand half of the
jokes and comments.
Yes, this is a side effect of a lot of us having been here so long and having
met in real life too. There are quite a few in-jokes, some of which are
explained in the Glossary. It can be a little intimidating at first, like being
at a party where you don't know anyone. But if you strike up a conversation or
reply to someone, gradually you'll get into the swing of things. We'll do our
best to give you a big welcome :) We really do want new people to join the group
and we really want you to stay and play.
11) Play eh? That would be stuff like this "Bouchercon" and the
"Great RAM AIM Chat Fest" I keep seeing references to?
Damn straight! Bouchercon is a crime convention that is held every year in
October. It's held in different cities in the US and every fourth year,
somewhere outside the USA. In 2003 it's to be held in Las Vegas: check out the
website http://bconvegas2003.org/. There's usually a group of RAMmers who attend
these things and much hilarity ensues. Heck, sometimes they even prise
themselves away from the bar to attend the panels!
"The Great RAM AIM Chat Fest" is held the first weekend of every month
(or most convenient weekend) and is run by Mitchy. All are welcome! Basically,
you need to have AIM (AOL Instant Messenger) installed on your PC and have a
screen name. If AOL is your ISP, then you already have this. Simply email Mitchy
before the Chat Fest commences and she'll add your screen name to the rather
long list. Come online when the chat starts and you'll be invited into a chat
room where you can chat in real time to lots of other RAM members. It's great
fun and many, many rumours start because of it :) Mitchy always gives a week's
notice of a Chat Fest so you will have time to get organised.
12) Anything else I need to know?
Sure. Here's a RAM Glossary full of useful phrases, commonly used acronyms and
anything else that couldn't be easily put into another category.
Glossary
ARC/ARE = Advance Reading Copy, Advance Reading Edition. Copies of books
available before it's officially released.
HTH = Hope That Helps
IM(NS)HO = In My (Not So) Humble Opinion
OT = Off Topic. Put in subject headers to help people filter posts. Optional and
up to the individual.
WOT = Way Off Topic
WTHOT= Way The Hell Off-Topic
SOT = Sorta Off Topic - probably some vague link to mysteries/crime/RAM
FRP = Finished Reading Pile
TBR = To Be Read (Pile)
TBB = To Be Bought. i.e. those books you definitely are planning to get.
YMMV = Your Mileage May Vary i.e. I liked this sort of book but it might
not appeal to everyone
Beverage Alert = What RAM members would like to get before reading something so
funny it causes them to spew their drinks over the monitor and/or keyboard.
Beverage Alerts are usually given after the fact, because otherwise it would
spoil all the fun.
Peeps = Marshmallow sweetie found in the USA. You either think they are sugary
goodness or polystyrene packing chip.
Miracle Whip v. Mayonnaise = an ongoing debate. Miracle Whip is a US mayonnaise
substitute. Some prefer it to mayo, some don't. Wise people remain neutral.
Tim Tams v. Penguins = Tim Tams are an Australian chocolate biscuit (cookie?)
and a great RAM favourite. Penguins are the UK equivalent. Again, there are two
schools of thought: Tim Tams rule! Penguins are better! Wise people accept
packages of both and say nothing. Other favourite RAM sweeties include Frango
Mints, Neverstops and HobNobs.
A-RW = Anal-Retentive Wanker. What those posters who live for accuracy and good
grammar like to call themselves. Note: This title is not awarded but adopted by
the A-RWs themselves.
RAMmers, RAMblers, and other variations = RAM's way of referring to members of
the group. Expect to see "We Are RAMily" (the group song),
"RAM-a-lam-a-ding-dong" (a RAM argument) and other puns mentioned at
intervals.
RAM on the Web:- You can find out more information about RAM and RAM members at
Vicki's BooksnBytes website.
http://www.booksnbytes.com/recartsmystery/
Here you can find out lots of fun stuff such as RAM Recipies, Bouchercon
reports, photos and RAM bios, and RAM merchandise. Yes, we have merchandise!
Mugs, t-shirts, tote bags, mouse mats, all adorned with the splendiferous RAM
Logo designed by Jim "Cartoon Boy" Barker. You can purchase RAM stuff
at:
http://www.cafeshops.com/cp/store.aspx?s=cartoonise
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This FAQ is maintained by Mitchy and is posted to the group on the first weekend
of every month (or thereabouts). Errors, omissions, new links, please email to mitch@orien.demon.co.uk.
Version 1.0 January 2003
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Mitchy
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