Welcome to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) list for the
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/ (Who's computer is this?)

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 :)
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/bi (Who's computer is this?)
rthdays.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 2005 it was held in Chicago. In
2006, the event will be in Madison, Wisconsin, Sept 28th - Oct 1st
(www.bouchercon.com). 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 an event held occasionally, usually
organised by Mitchy. There is a permanent chat room available for
RAMmers to use at any time, however, so feel free to round people up and
natter. Because there is no security to prevent any Tom, Dick or
Harriet logging in, the URL can only be given out via email. Just drop
Mitchy a line and she'll send the URL to you. She always gives at least
a week's notice of a Chat Fest when there is one 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 (Who's computer is this?)
Here you can find out lots of fun stuff such as RAM Recipes, 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 (Who's computer is this?)




This FAQ is maintained by Mitchy and is posted to the group on the first
of every month (or thereabouts). This document is also archived on
BooksnBytes - http://www.booksnbytes.com/recartsmystery/faq.html. (Who's computer is this?)
Errors, omissions, new links, please email to mitch@orien.demon.co.uk.

V.1.4.

--
Mitchy

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Some days it just isn't worth gnawing through the straps
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