Revised: July 26, 1997
                    USR_MODEMS Echo Rules
This echo was established for the purpose of discussing the
US Robotics Family of high speed modems.  This discussion includes
the entire US Robotics,WorldPort and MegaHertz product lines, both
past and present models.  The discussion may also include
compatibility concerns or problems with other Modems, but only
with relation to the US Robotics, WorldPort and MegaHertz products.
The following Echo Rules are expected to be followed;
Failure to follow these rules may result in a request for
your removal from the echo:
1.  The Moderators of USR_MODEMS are:
 'Gene Lowry' FidoNet address 1:300/11, (520) 579-7188,
 'Rick Collins' Fidonet address 1:163/215.39.
Please remember that the moderators are not employees of US Robotics,
we are US Robotics customers just like the rest of the participants of
the USR_MODEMS echo.
Any comments or complaints about anything in the USR_MODEMS echo
should be addressed to one of the moderators at the above addresses
given.  At no time are complaints or messages about non-technical
matters to be entered into the USR_MODEMS echo.
2.  The Official Language of the USR_MODEMS echo is English.
Apologies to those who cannot read or write English, but the fact is,
most readers cannot read or write other languages and conversations
would be difficult at best.
3.  Only those messages directly addressing technical issues
related to the US Robotics product line should be entered into the
Echo.  (Including the Courier and Sportster models offering speeds
of 9600 BPS or above, WorldPort and MegaHertz models.)
    This specifically means that the following types of messages
are *** NOT *** allowed:
    a.  Absolutely no advertising of any type.  No For-Sale
advertising of used modems, no advertising for modem dealerships,
etc.  This is a technically-oriented echo and all messages must
be technical in nature.
    b.  Absolutely no messages on banned topics.  Such topics include
proprietary information such as dealer pricing, discussion of any
operation of a modem outside of it's published specifications,
unauthorized modification of USR modems, reproduction of proprietary
ROM code, etc.
    c.  Absolutely no trivial or personal messages should be
entered in USR_MODEMS.  Conversations between friends, having no
technical content are a violation of Echo Rules.  Messages of a
conversational matter, not relating to the technical subject,
should be conducted via direct netmail and not via the this Echo.
    d.  Absolutely no messages involving personal attacks,
insults or other topics intending to provoke, rather than to
discuss technical topics.  Please let's not get into "My Modem
is better than Your Modem" discussions, we don't need it.
    e.  Absolutely no messages regarding any topic, if the
messages produced are not within the generally-agreed-upon,
technical standards for Echo Mail Specifications.  Specifically,
Multiple Tear Lines, Multiple Origins, etc. may be considered
sufficient cause to request linkages to the echo be removed.  In
the case of Echo Topology problems (e.g. "Dupe Rings", etc.) the
Moderators reserve the right to restrict access in order to
correct echo topology problems.
    f.  Absolutely no messages that could be interpreted as condoning
or advocating any illegal activity including but not limited to
copyright violation or theft of intellectual property.
4.  No parts of a message entered should be considered in
violation of one of the previous rules.  For instance, no origin
lines or any message component should advertise for your modem
dealership, or to sell your old modem, etc.
5.  No parts of the message entered should be excessive, or
particularly wasteful in verbiage.  Like in addressing, or BBS
naming, etc. This means specifically that your signature (e.g.
"-Tom-") should not include multiple lines announcing your BBS's
capabilities, etc.  A simple name and a simple address (if
required) and perhaps Telephone Number should suffice.
6.  The use of your REAL NAME is expected at all times within the
USR_MODEMS echo.  If for some reason you are on a BBS which forces or
otherwise doesn't allow you to change your name from an Alias,
then you MUST sign with your real name at the bottom of any
messages you enter.  People feel more comfortable when dealing
with you, when they feel they know who they are talking with.
If your particular system of entry doesn't allow the use of your
real name, and you don't wish to sign messages with your real
name, then please don't participate in the USR_MODEMS echo.
7.  The gating or exporting of the USR_MODEMS echo to networks other
than FidoNet is permitted under the following conditions:
    a.  All of the USR_MODEMS Echo Rules must be followed.
    b.  All decisions and comments issued by the Moderators must
be followed, including requests to remove linkages, and/or
specific user's access.
    c.  All pertinent FidoNet rules pertaining to Echo Management
must be followed.
    d.  All messages returned back into the FidoNet EchoMail
system, must indicate an address of entry and/or location to which
private replies or comments regarding those messages can be
addressed.
    e.  If problems develop, and the source of the offending
messages cannot be localized, then the gateway to the other
network will have its access cut off.
    f.  It is strongly suggested that you seek permission to "Gate"
the USR_MODEMS Echo to other networks, before you establish the
linkage to do so.  In the history of the echo, we've never prohibited
it yet, but by telling us ahead of time, and asking permission,
we'll be better able to handle any problems that might occur, since
we'll know the Gateway and person to contact in the event of trouble.
8.  Known Exceptions:
    Sysop-Pricing and Sysop-Program information from US
Robotics is considered an exception from the Advertising rule,
and thus accepted in the Echo.  US Robotics *does* participate in
the Echo at times, and as such, any such messages posted should
be done by them, or authorized by them before posting.
    Since we are very THANKFUL that US Robotics does participate
here, they are allowed to post any information they deem useful
to the readership here.  They may advertise their modems, sales
prices, rebates, Sysop or other discount programs or anything they
wish.  We allow this to ensure they continue helping us with
useful information about our modems and other US Robotics
products.
9.  Any questions, concerns, or appeals of Echo Moderation
should be addressed to the MODERATORS in private netmail.
-Gene Lowry-
-Rick Collins-
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