A1. Alt.med.fibromyalgia (which is also available thru email for those who don't have full internet access) covers many of the technical/medical issues for pwfms. All posts which appear on alt.med.fibromyalgia are available for viewing by anyone with full internet access, and most posts can be retrieved thru various searches such as DejaNews. The Chat list provides an environment that is not available to the general public, although membership is open to anyone who has an interest in fms. The Chat list also provides an environment for discussing daily issues that do not focus on the medical aspects of fms, such as dealing with family issues. The Chat group members focus on support for individuals, and often provide a humorous outlet for everyone involved. Humour and issues that do not appear to be directly related to fms are strongly discouraged on the newsgroup, unless appropriate subject headings are used and the # of lines in the post is kept to a minimum.
Q2. What are the rules of conduct for participating in the Chat group?
A2. The major, most stringently-enforced rule is: No Flaming. None. Other general, common-sense, good conduct guidelines include standard netiquette such as: limit the message you're copying to essential lines, rather than simply copying the entire post when replying; don't spam the list; don't ram your views down the throats of others; respect the other person's viewpoint; be patient with newcomers and people asking for help; don't provide personal information such as your home address or phone number to the group at large; don't send pictures or other attachments to the list, use private email; when a problem has been resolved, don't keep whining about it. You may "lurk" for as long or as little as you like. We enjoy being adivsed that you are posting for the first time, when you decide it's time to delurk. More humorous rules are listed later in this FAQ (or will be, soon).
The Humour of FMS-CHAT
The humour of the group is overshadowed *only* by the support provided from the chat fmily. Since the first day of this group, humorous posts have appeared in large numbers. Naturally, this has resulted in some "inside" jokes. For newcomers, "inside" jokes can be quite intimidating. None of us in the chat fmily want to be intimidating, so we are providing this "quick list" to identify some of the long-time members and long-standing jokes that remain part of this list.
The People
First and foremost, its the people that give FMS-CHAT its unique blend of
humour and support. The chat members set the tone of the group, and we
are a diverse lot!
Geographically, we live in Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, U.S.A. -
have I missed your country? Physically, we all share an interest in FMS,
altho having FMS is not a prerequisite for joining. In addition to FMS,
members have: ADD, allergies, BiPolar Complex, Degenerative Disc, Depression,
IBS, Lupus, Migraines, MPS, Reumatoid Arthritis - have I missed a dx? Some
fmily members are wheelchair mobile, some use canes, some use gloves and
other assistive devices to improve hand control, and some show no outward
appearance of bodily problems. Chronologically we range in age from teens
to grandparents. Family arrangements include independent adults, married
couples, single parents, 2-parent families, and extended families. Some of
us have extensive computer knowledge, some are quite familiar with the
Internet, and some of us are just beginning. Put all of this together and
you get people who disprove the myth that pwfms are malingerers with
chronic depression whose biggest problem is AIYH! As proof, let me introduce
some of the long-standing members in FMS-CHAT:
Valerie (aka VtLL) Table dancing librarian, an integral part of the Great Canadian conspiracy (one of the infamous Edmonton Gang).
Karen (aka KtheK, Kardinal) Witty, well-informed, I can't keep up with her.
Mrs Bill (I wrote this FAQ) see www.geocities.com/HotSprings/1527 for details, if you dare >:-)
Chocolate E-Claire elegant, graceful, a delight to call a friend.
Annangel As the name implies, an angel among us; one of the infamous CHAT spiritual advisors.
Popette Our very own Pope, one of the infamous CHAT spiritual advisors.
And these are some of the previous CHATters of note, who drop in from time to time: EZ (aka Camel Lady) - married mom of 2 college students, a formidable foe armed with a camel cane, 3 parrots, and a knack for kibbitzing. Standard sig file is an ascii camel. Frequently involved in verbal games with Janice the Menace. Also makes a mean chicken soup. Claims to be an eccentric billionairess who's always broke.
Janice the Menace (aka The Goat) - single mom, college student, grandmother (hehehe) voted "Most Likely to be Suspected in any Teddy Bear Disappearance". Great sig files include an ascii self-portrait and comments on life in general. Frequently involved in verbal games with ez.
PammySpammy (aka Puss Gal, Doc O'Thinkology) One of our famous authors (we have several), pumps out such immortal prose as the Cyber Home Companion (all previous installments are available on request). Sometimes her alter ego, Gina, interviews fmily members online. Gina has a unique, biting style all her own - you are warned not to take offense at any tongue-in-cheek comments she may make during *your* interview!
Margaret (what, no alias?) Married, mother of 4; born in and now back in California, lived in CA, AZ, NM, SD, CO, FL, MD, & England (what a lot of letters you've lived in, Margaret!); loves the ocean, meeting new people and travel; collects cookbooks, carousel horses & "Precious Moments"; likes to read, cross-stitch & quilt, and loves old movies. In her spare time, Margaret runs her own fulltime computer services business.
Joyce (aka Joyce from Otown) Married, mom, full-time supplier of cheer and birthday announcements; resident expert on Orlando; likes to say HA a lot. HA!