Subject: Helpful hint for packet users

  When you send out a packet message asking for help, offering something
for sale/trade or wanted, or other such bulletins, think before you post
them to USBBS. That means nationwide distribution. Is it really
necessary? Did you first try posting to just your state or region?
Honestly, if you want to sell a widget and you live in Oregon, the odds
are that it'll be sold by the time we see it in Connecticut (if not,
it's probably useless or overpriced, right?).

  If you need help, advice or opinions, solicit the hams in your local
area. Chances are very good that you'll get a satisfactory response.

  Don't be afraid that you're limiting your coverage too much; there are
plenty of hams in most areas who will read your message. And PLEASE
don't repost your bulletin three times "just to make sure." It's
annoying to list the bulletins on the local PBBS and see 2 or 3 dated the
same or within a day or two, from the same person selling--or looking
for--the same thing. BE PATIENT.

  If NOBODY on packet near you in New England or California or Florida
replies, it's a good bet that nobody from Wyoming or Delaware will, either.

  I've seen a recent trend toward an EXCELLENT operating practice on
packet lately: People posting bulletins that tell others if something
previously listed for sale has been sold! Keeps me from making many
useless long-distance phone calls.

  When you send out a packet bulletin offering something for sale, take a
moment to place a "DATE POSTED" within the text. While PBBSs date stamp
arriving traffic, it's not always clear when it was posted in the first
place.

Brian, WS1O @ W1EDH.CT.USA.NOAM.EARTH
Middletown, CT USA    Grid FN31qn