BIONICFANS DISCUSSION GROUP GUIDELINES AND FAQ - REVISED 02/03/05

SECTION A - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT IS THE BIONIC FAN NETWORK?

http://bionicfans.com - A website resource center created by, for, and about the fans of THE SIX MILLION DOLLAR MAN & THE BIONIC WOMAN universe.

WHAT IS THE BIONICFANS DISCUSSION GROUP?

Established in 1998, BIONICFANS is an email/web based discussion forum for THE BIONIC FAN NETWORK, created and moderated by Paul K. Bisson and hosted by Yahoo!Groups (formerly eGroups). It is for fans, old & new, of THE SIX MILLION DOLLAR MAN And THE BIONIC WOMAN TV series starring Lee Majors and Lindsay Wagner, respectively. Whether you want to share opinions, deliver news, talk FX, promote your Bionic (or personal) web site, vote for your favorites or roast the ones you hate! Do it all here and correspond with Bionic fans from all over the world, including the webmasters of some of the most popular Bionic websites! You can even share files, create polls, add links, upload photos, search a Bionic data base or chat live with other fans!

HOW DO I SUBSCRIBE?

There are three (3) ways to join BIONICFANS. You can register a nickname with Yahoo!Groups and subscribe through the BIONICFANS interactive website located at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bionicfans or you may subscribe directly to BIONICFANS without registering a nickname by sending an empty email to bionicfans-subscribe@yahoogroups.com or you can use the handy little sign-up box at the bottom of the page.

* In order to take advantage of all the interactive features on the website (which will be discussed below), you MUST register an ID with Yahoo!  Registering is FREE. You may do it at the main Yahoo!Groups URL: http://groups.yahoo.com/

HOW DO I UNSUBSCRIBE?

There are two (2) ways to unsubscribe from BIONICFANS. You can go to the BIONICFANS Yahoo!Groups interactive member website at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bionicfans and click on the "Edit My Membership" link and then choose "Leave Group." Or you may simply send an empty email to bionicfans-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

CAN I GET MY MESSAGES IN DIGEST FORM OR READ THEM ON THE WEBSITE?

Yes. You can modify the way you receive messages by going to the BIONICFANS Yahoo!Groups interactive member website at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bionicfans and clicking on the
"Edit My Membership" link.

* If you initially subscribed via email and have not registered Yahoo! ID you may still request Digest Format by sending a request to the list moderator (bionicfans-owner@yahoogroups.com). You may also read messages directly from the website. However, if you intend to post a new message or reply to messages, through the website, you must register an ID with Yahoo! as described above.

WHAT ARE THE TOPICS TO BE DISCUSSED?

There are three (3): the "Bionic Universe" as depicted in THE SIX MILLION DOLLAR MAN and THE BIONIC WOMAN as well as their related fiction in books, comics, toys, games, movies, etc. is the primary subject matter for this discussion group. The secondary topic is, of course, the creative element that brings life to this universe; the actors, writers, producers, etc. The third is the fan element: us--who we are, what we're about, our own stories as fans.

* Off-topic posts ARE allowed, but should be prefaced with "OT:" in the subject line and DIE OUT within the customary 48 hours OR be taken to private e-mail.

I JUST JOINED!  HOW CAN I CATCH UP ON DISCUSSIONS?

Message archives are maintained by Yahoo!Groups and are available in the "Messages" section of the BIONICFANS interactive member website (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Bionicfans/messages). The archive allows you to search all messages by KEYWORD, date, thread, or message number. This is also the message posting area (if you have registered a nickname with Yahoo!Groups). This area is convenient when you cannot access your email, for instance: if you are traveling. As of this FAQ update, there are over 5,000 messages that you can search through! Take advantage of them. If it's related to the Bionic Universe, we've probably talked about it a dozen different times. There is some great discussions contained in the archive!

I'M LOOKING FOR EPISODES OF THE SHOWS.

I HAVE EPISODES I WANT TO SHARE.

CAN I ASK OTHER MEMBERS TO TRADE?

ARE THERE ANY RULES?

Yes. The BIONICFANS Discussion Group has members that will offer copies of episodes, movies, and specials. Some will trade, others will ask that you supply tape/disc and shipping costs, and still others will charge you a flat fee. When seeking or offering episodes there are RULES that MUST be followed:

* IF YOU ARE SEEKING:

You may only post your request once per week for a total of three (3) weeks. If you don't receive a response during this time, you must consider that no one is able to assist you. You must then wait thirty (30) days from your last request before starting again. A standard request would be, "Hello, I'm looking to trade/buy ______ please contact me with with your terms at seeking@email.com." 

* IF YOU ARE OFFERING:

You may only post your offer once per week for a total of two (2) weeks. If you don't receive a response during this time, you must consider that no one wishes to contact you. You must then wait thirty (30) days from your last request before starting again. A standard offer would be, "Hello, I'm offering to trade/sell ______ please contact me to discuss terms at offering@email.com." 

* PLEASE RESTRICT THE DETAILS OF YOUR TRANSACTION TO PRIVATE EMAIL.

* Please remember that there are untrustworthy people out there. You make your deals at YOUR OWN RISK. Please take the necessary precautions when making deals with people. Keep all receipts and send mail certified. Protect yourself!

I'M HAVING A PROBLEM WITH SOMEONE IN THE GROUP.

First, try contacting the person and settling matters privately. If this does not work, contact me or another moderator for mediation: bionicfans-owner@yahoogroups.com

SECTION B - GUIDELINES FOR BIONICFANS:  PLEASE OBEY THE BASIC RULES OF DISCUSSION GROUP AND MAILING LIST ETIQUETTE, INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING...

1. After joining the list, it is suggested that you lurk for a day or two to see what the current topics are. Browse the message archive to see what people have been talking about recently.

2. If you're comfortable doing so, make your first post to the list a brief introduction of yourself ("Hi, I'm new to the list, my name's Jean. I'm a college student majoring in psychology, and I like 'The Six Million Dollar man' and 'The Bionic Woman' because...")

* It may be considered rude by some members if your first post is a request to acquire copies of the shows. Introduce yourself, engage in the current thread, start a new discussion. After all, this is a discussion group primarily.

3. When replying to a post, snip the previous text to leave only that which applies to what you're saying; change the subject line if the thread changes; and avoid posting one-liners such as "me too" or "ROTFL".

4. BIONICFANS does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, age, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, or disability. Be considerate. Treat others as you wish to be treated. Flaming, vulgarity, and personal attacks will NOT be tolerated. Courtesy and mutual respect are expected in this virtual community.  If you're the type of person who likes to initiate conflict -- do it somewhere else.

5. If discussing religion, spirituality, or metaphysics, keep in mind that list members follow diverse spiritual paths, and mutual respect for others' beliefs is expected and required.

6. Political discussion is a healthy, vibrant, educational activity. It is also an unforgiving one. People can be relentless in their views and opinion. Heated debate is commonplace and accepted. Derogatory characterization of fellow members is an unfortunate byproduct of these discussions. It is for this very reason that political opinion is frowned upon in content-specific forums like ours. Let's face it: Steve and Jaime are government spies. Their work invariably gets them into all sorts of political trouble. It would be naive of me to think that we won't find ourselves discussing these missions on a political platform. But when we feel that the talk is moving further away from the content of the show and getting closer to "home," let's do everyone a favor and move it to private email. As for political discussions that have no root in the Bionic Universe, let's refrain from introducing them at all.

7. I'd like to request that posts containing mature content or adult language be kept to a minimum. Also, jokes containing frivolous adult language and themes really have no place here. As old as many of us are, there are quite a number of younger fans that enjoy this list.

8. Currently, BIONICFANS does NOT allow email attachments. Anyone wishing to share images can do so by uploading them to the PHOTOS section of the interactive website. Please, no large attachments. Any image can be adjusted for size and definition.

9. This is not English 101. If you want to correct someone's grammar do it elsewhere. Remember: we have subscribers from all over the globe, their english may not be entirely correct. Be considerate.

10. Please DO NOT include our email address in your GLOBAL recipients list or add us to your mass mailings unless the content of your email meets the ON-TOPIC guidelines.

SECTION C - HOAXES, ADS, TRIVIA, FANFIC, CHAINS, & HEADERS 

DON'T SPREAD THAT HOAX!

CHECK THESE LINKS!

"Win a Holiday"
"The dying kid wants business cards"
"Good Times virus"
"Aids Mary"

http://www.nonprofit.net/hoax/

http://hoaxbusters.ciac.org/

MESSAGE HEADERS AND SUBJECT PREFIXES

You will occasionally see special subject headers in use on this list, such as:

[OT] Off-topic posts. These should die out within 48 hours or be taken to private e-mail.

[ADMIN] Administrative announcements from the list moderator.

FAN-WRITTEN FICTION

No fanfic should be sent to the list. There are other groups that accept fanfic. As of this update, Yahoo!Groups hosts "BionicFanFiction" (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bionicfanfiction/). The Bionic Fan Network website (http://bionicfans.com/) is also developing a fan fiction section. Submit your work to one of these outlets and then send an announcement to BIONICFANS inviting members to read it. Poems, jokes and short parodies may be posted to BIONICFANS directly.

TRIVIA

1. Trivia must be conducted by poll using the POLL feature found on our Yahoo!Groups interactive website (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Bionicfans/polls). This requires that multiple choice answers be created.

2. The poll must expire in seven (7) days. We have nearly 300 members and not all of them receive individual email. A week gives people enough time to log into the interactive website and catch up on old posts.

3. When filling out the additional options on the poll screen, please make sure you choose "display results when poll is closed" and "display voter identity with each vote."

4. Once the poll ends, please send a seperate message announcing the correct answer.

* If you do not have a Yahoo! ID and cannot access the website, just email your question to me including answers and I'll post it on your behalf with full credit.

PYRAMID SCHEMES, ADVERTISING, CHAIN LETTERS

In no way is this material accepted. If such messages find their way to BIONICFANS, do not respond to them on-list. Send the originator (and his postmaster) your complaints. A BIONICFANS moderator will also take action.

SECTION D - YAHOO!GROUPS INTERACTIVE WEBSITE FEATURES

Here are a list of menu items that you will find on the Yahoo!Groups BIONICFANS interactive website:
* NOTE: You MUST have a Yahoo! ID to take advantage of all the interactive features on the website.

HOME - You Are Here: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Bionicfans/

MESSAGES - This is the only section where you are not required to have a registered Yahoo!Groups nickname. Click on this feature to see the BIONICFANS messages archive. This is where ANYONE can read the messages posted in our list. Comes in handy when you can't access your personal email.

CHAT - Yahoo!Groups offers a text chat room for real-time interaction between members. This chat room is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

FILES - The Files feature is a private library for members to share all kinds of Bionic-related files such as text documents, contact lists, sound files and more. Please restrict content to the appropriate folder.

PHOTOS - Upload Bionic-related images here. Acceptable images are screenshots/captures from episodes, toys, actors, locations, diagrams, blueprints, personal collections and...pictures of YOU!

BOOKMARKS - Find links to the most popular Bionic-related websites on the Internet or add a new one! Please restrict content to the appropriate folder.

DATABASE - The Database feature helps group members keep track of data in a table format. Each member can search, sort, and browse the data as well as add records and create new tables. There currently exists a member table for members to post information about themselves (thanks Roman!). This information, in conjunction with the photos, will be used to create the core foundation for the Bionic Fan Network website: http://bionicfans.com/

POLLS - The Polls feature is a convenient way to find out how other BIONICFANS feel about an issue or event. Favorite villain? Worst plot? Mustache or no mustache? Perm or straight? Sharks or Deadly Music?

MEMBERS - This is where you may see a list of all the other members in our group. Many have profiles, many do not. You'll have to see for yourself by clicking on a name (remember, *you* control what others can see in your profile). 

CALENDAR - Yahoo!Groups offers a private shared calendar where members can post meetings, holidays, vacations and events of interest to the entire group. You can schedule one-time or recurring events, and set up automatic reminder emails. For example, someone can add the SCI-FI Channel's upcoming cablecast of BIONIC EVER AFTER? Or you can schedule a chat session.

PROMOTE - Use the Promote feature to get cut-and-paste sign-up boxes for BIONICFANS. You can put these boxes onto any Web page to let people know about our group. If you enjoy BIONICFANS and have a website, why not spread the word and help us grow?

* If you are having difficulty with any of these features, please contact the moderator at Bionicfans-owner@yahoogroups.com or check out Yahoo!Groups Help Center at http://help.yahoo.com/help/groups/

SECTION E - A FINAL WORD

Let's face it; when you're part of a large group, there's bound to be disagreement--about any number of a variety of things. And that's fine--disagreement ignites expression, debate, and discovery--even heated disagreement; we all have strong passions about the things that are important to us.

What's hard to stomach is when genuine disagreement turns nasty and immature. Anyone can use profanity in a derogatory manner or call someone a name to degrade him or her. But it's a lot harder to try to understand another's point of view. I think every disagreement is an opportunity to learn.

This discussion group has enjoyed the rare distinction of being, on the most part, "abuse" free. That's right. Don't look so surprised. You'd be amazed at the kind of behavior that is allowed to waft its way through email after email on some discussion lists. From distasteful subject matter to abusive member conflicts--and with hardly any moderation to be found.

Not here.

Oh, sure, an opinion may stir some commotion, you might find a heated debate or two, someone might actually believe that hauling Bigfoot's ass out for a fifth time was a good idea or the shark episode on TBW was remotely interesting. :o) These things happen. Being part of a pop culture themed discussion group will expose you to such things.

But we've also met some great people who share our interest in this little bionic slice of pop culture. We've heard some wonderful personal stories from fellow members--memories from childhood, why and how these shows inspired us, etc. We've seen some incredible collections and surfed through some amazing web sites. We've found a new outlet for trading and acquiring.

This activity isn't anything important really. It's you and I picking through our email at home or school or at work. Over a cup of coffee in the kitchen, a sandwich in the caf or a beer in the den. We're simply exchanging some thoughts and ideas about something we're fond of--before moving on to the next, more important part of our daily lives.

The point is this: if you feel a problem brewing with someone else on this list, handle it privately, email each other. Don't let the content of your group posts drop below simple good manners. And certainly do not use this list as a podium to speak ill of another reader.

Lastly, if you've tried to resolve a conflict with little results, contact me directly. I created this list so we could all share our mutual interest. I wanted it to be friendly, informative and fun! I think it is. And I'll do my best to keep it that way for all of us.