African Music Discussion Group

http://www.africanmusicgroup.com/

 

Version 1.1

Created: May 30, 2001

Last Edited: June 1, 2001

Author: Tony Tunde/Alisdair MacRae Birch

african_music-owner@yahoogroups.com

 

This User Guide and FAQ and everything included within this file cannot be reproduced in any way, shape or form (physical, electronic, or otherwise) aside from being placed on a freely-accessible, non-commercial web page in it's original, unedited and unaltered format. This FAQ cannot be used for profitable purposes (even if no money would be made from selling it) or promotional purposes. It cannot be used in any sort of commercial transaction. It cannot be given away as some sort of bonus, gift, etc., with a purchase as this creates incentive to buy and is therefore prohibited. Furthermore, this FAQ cannot be used by the publishers, editors, employees or associates, etc. of any company, group, business, or association, etc., nor can it be used by game sites and the like. It cannot be used in magazines, guides, books, etc. or in any other form of printed or electronic media (including mediums not specifically mentioned) in ANY way, shape, or form (including reprinting, reference or inclusion), without the express written permission of the author(s).

 

This FAQ was written for the African Music Group only. No warranty of any kind is offered. No responsibility for any damages is accepted.

 

The latest version of this FAQ can be found at:

http://www.africanmusicgroup.com/files

 

This document is divided into the following sections. When viewing electronically, you can click the heading to go directly to the chosen section.

 

General Information (Pre-membership questions)

Participation and Member Options (General member questions)

·        General Questions

·        Subscription Information

·        Posting and Replying to Messages

·        Using the Web Site

·        Miscellaneous

Troubleshooting (Fixing problems and finding help)

General Information

1.         What is the African Music Discussion Group?

The African Music Discussion Group is an Online Community (OC) that allows you to communicate more easily with other people who love African Music. It gives you the opportunity to post messages to the group and receive answers from other members. All are welcome to join just bring a love of African Music. The group has grown out of the African Music Web ring and the former European African Music Independent List serve. Our members come from all over the world and include listeners, musicians, promoters, press, writers, DJ's, recording companies, video producers, fans and artists. All members are invited and encouraged to participate, since it is not an announcement-only list. For quality control, all messages are subject to approval by moderators before being sent to the list. We value and respect the privacy of our subscribers. Your email address will never be given out to anyone for any purpose.

 

2.         How does the communication occur?

The communication is predominantly email based, but it can also be web-based. You have three options that allow you to choose between using email or the web site. They are:

 

Individual email (One email for each message posted)

Daily Digest (One email per day with all of the day's messages)

Web Only (no email, you participate from the web site)

 

See the What is the best delivery option? section below for more information about your options.

 

Using email or the web site, you send a message to the group by sending it to an email address that everyone shares. Your message goes to everyone, and when someone replies, his or her reply goes to everyone. By using the Yahoo! Groups web site, you can also post messages and receive replies without using email.

3.         Why is this better than email?

Online Communities provide a better resource for information sharing. All messages shared in OCs are archived on the web site. This provides a "home" for the information that the OCs produce. Also, members share information with a select and committed group of other members. This builds cohesiveness and trust in the group.

4.         How does African Music Discussion Group membership help me?

The mission of the African Music Discussion Group is to help you to know more about African Music and what is going on in the African Music world by increasing member-to-member communication. The group allows you to learn from and network with other users. Plus, your subscription allows you to access the archives of messages from the past on the web site. If you are a musicians, promoters, writers, DJ's, recording companies, video producers, or artist you can let all our members know about your upcoming events. Membership does provide another means of hearing updates, announcements and news from the African Music world.

5.         How much does it cost to participate?

It is Free. There is no cost to you.

6.         How is the Discussion Group different from Chat and Web Conferences?

The two resources are very different. Chat and Web Conferencing is used for online meetings and training sessions.

 

The Discussion Group, as an Online Community, is a resource that, once you are subscribed, allows you to post a message any time you want. The African Music Discussion Group is your primary connection to other users.

7.         How do I join or subscribe to the African Music Discussion Group?

Via the Yahoo! Groups web site: http://www.africanmusicgroup.com/

Click on Join this Group!. In addition to joining, you will be able to set your membership options.

If you haven't registered or signed in, you will be prompted to do so.

 

Via email: Send a blank email to:

african_music-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

 

You will receive a subscription confirmation message. Just reply to this message and your subscription will be complete.

 

If someone sent you an email invitation to join a group, simply reply to the message or click on the link provided to join via the Yahoo! Groups web site.

8.         How many people are Members of the African Music Discussion Group?

Our membership is constantly growing and you can check out how many current members we have on our site.

Participation and Member Options

 

General Questions: (Top of Page)

1.         How do I get access to the web site?

These instructions will allow you to get a Yahoo! ID and password that is needed to sign in.

 

To get a Yahoo! ID and password, go to http://groups.yahoo.com and look for the Click here to register and Link your accounts here links on the upper left. You will be using both of these links.

 

1.      Click the New users: click here to register link. Fill out the registration information and click Submit this form. You will see your Yahoo! ID. Click the Continue to Yahoo! Groups link. Write down your Yahoo! ID and password.

 

2.      Click the Link your accounts here heading on the upper left. Put your normal email address in the box at the *bottom* of the screen labeled Don't have a password Need a password?, and then click Continue. The next screen will ask for an authorization code.

 

NOTE: Be sure to use the box at the bottom of the screen (the third box down).

 

3.      You will receive an authorization code in email in a few minutes. Type the code in the box and click Continue.

 

4.      The next screen asks for your Yahoo! ID and password. This is the information you entered during registration for the ID. Enter your information.

 

5.      Click on the View My Groups link.

 

6.      Click the african_music  heading on the left titled. This will take you to the african_music  Home page. You should have full access to all features.

 

7.      You're done! The next time you visit the site, you will enter your Yahoo! ID and password for access- please remember this information.

2.         How can I manage all of the emails?

You have three delivery options that allow you to participate with or without email.

 

Individual emails – An email for each message posted to the OC - delivered to your inbox

Daily Digest – One email per day with all daily messages included- delivered to your inbox

Web Only – No email- you check messages from the web site

 

You can change these options by logging onto the web site and clicking Delivery Options on the upper right.


3.         What is the best delivery option?

You are free to choose the option you prefer and change options at any time. Consider these things:

 

Individual Emails

(Most used)

Advantage:

You can keep up with conversation easily

You can save pertinent emails easily

It is easy to reply to posts

You can receive attachments

 

Disadvantage:

Can be 20+ emails per day

 

Best for:

Members that want to be involved daily and participate frequently

Daily Digest

(2nd most used)

Advantage:

Only 1 email per day

List of all messages in one place

 

Disadvantage:

Difficult to reply to for participation

Cannot receive attachments

Must visit the web site to fully participate

 

 

Best for:

Members who like to read and watch, but not participate

Web Only

(3rd most used)

Advantage:

Single source for participation

No email

Easy access to other web tools (archive, files, polls)

Can receive attachments

 

Disadvantage:

You must be proactive to visit the site (no reminders)

 

Best for:

Members who want to highly involved or not involved at all.

 

NOTE: Regardless of your chosen option, the web site is still available for your use. Many members use the daily digest as a reminder to visit the site.

4.         How do I change my delivery option?

On the African Music Discussion Group web site, click the Delivery Options link on the upper right. You will see a page that lists the delivery options and allows you to select a new option. Once your choice is made, click Save Changes. Your messages will arrive in the selected format thereafter.

5.          If I use the Daily Digest option, how can I access attached files that are sent to the OC?

Attachments do not come with the Daily Digest. To give each member equal access to all documents, we ensure that all attachments are also uploaded to the Files part of the web site. Members can visit the web site to download documents that were sent out as attachments.

 

Subscription Information: (Top of Page)

1.         Why was I invited to join the African Music Discussion Group?

We do not use mailing lists and do not automatically subscribe anyone. In all cases, you were invited because as an active member of the African Music Community someone thought you would be interested.

 

2.         Can I invite my friends to join or subscribe? How?

Yes. If you are a current African Music Discussion Group member, you are invited to get others involved in the community. However, they must first be subscribed. Simply put have them send a blank email from their email account to:

african_music-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

3.         How do I unsubscribe?

All you need to do is send an email to:

african_music-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

 

This email address is included on every message sent in the discussion group. Further, it is listed on the African Music Discussion Group Home site on Yahoo! Groups.

 

Posting and Replying to Messages: (Top of Page)

1.         Are there guidelines for participation? 

Yes. The African Music Discussion Group has created posting guidelines that illustrate what should be included when asking for information and replying to a post.

 

NO ADVERTISING OR SPAM:

 

Announcing African Music events, festivals, clinics, record releases etc are allowed. Blatant advertising is not permitted. Minor offenses and first time violators will be warned privately. Subsequent violations will result in stronger action and may include (a) unsubscribing and/or

banning list member (b) reporting the violation to Yahoo and member's internet service provider.

 

SUBJECT MATTER:

 

All posts should be on topic and related to the subject matter of this list. Anything dealing with African music, performances, gigs, community events and set lists etc. is acceptable. Off-topic, flaming, explicit, graphic material, foul language, chain letters, racism, jokes, etc. are not acceptable. Personal "chat" discussions should take place through private email. Moderators will delete any message posted that does not conform with the list guidelines or proper netiquette.

 

PROPER POSTING & NETIQUETTE:

 

[a] Always place an appropriate title in the subject header. Keep it short and succinct.

 

[b] Please limit one subject per message.

 

[c] When replying, edit your messages properly. This means, eliminating headers and footers (to/from/subject/date, etc., and signature lines). Do not use excessive quoting - meaning, don't include the entire original message in your reply to the group. If you must refer to something to make your response clear, then cut and paste only that which is necessary and relevant. It is customary to place your reply below any quoted text from the original message.

 

[d] Please post your messages in Text format and not html

 

[e] Do not use ‘all caps' except to emphasize singular words. This makes your message easier to read and eliminates perception that you're ‘screaming.'

 

[f] File attachments are NOT permitted for two reasons: First, because they carry the danger of virus infection. And second, not everyone's computer is capable of reading them.

 

[g] Use short, concise paragraphs. Give credit where credit is due (when quoting others).

 

[h] Use a signature on all posts. Signature lines may be a maximum of 3 lines for personal or professional information.

 

[i] Don't post private email without permission.

 

[j] If you're planning to be away from your computer for an extended period and you are using an auto-responder, please set your preferences for "no mail" before going away. This will prevent your mailbox from being inundated with mail and our list won't be flooded with your auto-reply messages.

 

[k] There is no restriction on the number or length of posts by the list owner. However, Yahoo Groups does restrict messages to 1 MB to prevent mail bombs.

 

MISUNDERSTANDINGS:

 

Treat others as you wish to be treated. Neither flaming nor harassment will be tolerated. Should a misunderstanding arise, first try to resolve it directly with the other person by email (not through the list). If that fails to bring about an amicable resolution, notify a moderator to intervene.

 

NETIQUETTE

 

Basic netiquette on is a MUST not only on this list but in most places on the net. Below is a list of URL's to netiquette sites, which will provide helpful information to both novice and seasoned users.

 

Http://www.meertech.demon.co.uk/genuki/netiquet.htm

http://www.mailbase.ac.uk/docs/guidelines/html

http://sendit.moak.cdu/sendrt/helpdesk/net.html

 

REPRINTING INFORMATION:

 

Subscribers are welcome to reprint or re-circulate any information for non-profit use only, so long as the appropriate credit is given and the entire text is included (including credits at the end of each digest). Other cases, should contact the writer directly.

 

SPECIAL LIST-COMMAND EMAIL ADDRESSES:

 

Send email to list owner - african_music-owner@yahoogroups.com

Subscribe to list by email - african_music-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Unsubscribe to list by email - african_music-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

Switch to normal version - african_music-normal@yahoogroups.com

Switch to digest version - african_music-digest@yahoogroups.com

2.         How do I post a message?

There are two ways to post a message, but you must first be subscribed to the OC before your message can be posted.

 

Using normal email – Just send a normal email to: african_music@yahoogroups.com.

Web site – Click the post link on the left side of the web site.

3.         When I post a message, why doesn't it immediately go out to the Discussion Group?

All Discussion Group conversation is moderated. This means that one of the moderators must see the message before it is posted. In some cases, the moderator may choose to hold your message while a response from another moderator is being created. In other cases, the moderator may not have had time to approve your message immediately.

 

4.         How do I reply to a single member from the web site?

We encourage you to contact other members if you wish to discuss subjects not applicable for the whole community. From the web site, you can click on a post from a member, and then click Reply on the upper left. This will bring up a message screen. You will see a drop-down box with the member name in it by default. If you click beside the box, you will see the option to reply directly to the person that sent the message.

5.         If I forward a post to someone in my organization, can they reply directly to the Online Community?

No. Only members of the OC can post messages. If the person you forward the message to is a member, they can post a response, but not otherwise.

6.         Can I forward messages to others from the web site?

Yes. When viewing a question on the web site, notice the Forward link on the upper left. When clicked, it allows you to forward the post to anyone you wish. This is perfect for forwarding information to others in your facility from the web site.

 

Using the Web Site: (Top of Page)

7.         Do I have to use the web site?

No. You can participate solely by email. However, the web site allows you to manage your personal options and gives you a number of valuable tools for participation including the searchable archive of messages and file sharing.

8.         Why do I have to get a Yahoo! ID?

You only need a Yahoo! ID and password if you want to use the web site, it is not required for participation.

9.         What if I already have a Yahoo! ID?

If you already have a Yahoo! ID and would like to have the African Music Discussion Group associated with that ID, all you have to do is follow the instructions for linking your account to that ID. 

 

1.      Go to http://groups.yahoo.com and look for the Link your accounts here heading on the upper left. Put your normal email address in the box at the bottom of the screen labeled Don't have a password Need a password?, and then click Continue. The next screen will ask for an authorization code.

 

NOTE: Be sure to use the box at the bottom of the screen (the third box down).

 

2.      You will receive an authorization code in email in 1-2 minutes. Type the code in the box and click Continue.

 

3.      The next screen asks for your Yahoo! ID and password. Enter your Yahoo! ID and password.

 

4.      Click on the View My Groups link and you will see the groups that you are subscribes to on the left.

10.      Can I return to the Yahoo! Groups web site without signing in each time?

Yes. When you sign in, notice a box below the sign in that says Remember my Password and ID. If you check this box before you sign in, you will be able to return to the site without signing in each time.

11.      Do I need any software to participate in the African Music Discussion Group?

No. All you need is a subscription to the African Music Discussion Group.

12.      What does it mean to "link" my account?

When you receive the initial emails welcoming you to the OC, you have a current account with Yahoo! Groups. However, you do not yet have access to the web site. To get access you have to create a Yahoo! ID. Linking your account means that you link your account to a Yahoo! ID, therefore giving you full access to the OC.

13.      How do I change my password?

To change your password, log into the web site and click Account Info on the upper right. You will be asked for your password again before proceeding. After entering your password, you will see a screen with the Change Password link. Simply click this link, and you can change your password.

14.      How do I add an email address to my account?

You can add an email address to your account that allows you to post messages from more than one email address. Click My Preferences on the upper right side of your OC. You will see a page with two sections: General Preferences and Email Addresses. In the email addresses section, you will see your email address. To add an address, click edit and notice the section at the bottom that asks for alternate email addresses. To add an address, enter it here and click Save Changes.

15.      How do I change my Yahoo! ID?

Unfortunately, you cannot change your Yahoo! ID. You are required to get a new ID and go through the process of linking your account to your new ID. 

16.      How do I search for past messages on the web site?

Log into the web site and click the Messages link on the left side of the page. This will take you to the archive of all messages, arranged chronologically. Here are specific ways to use the archive:

 

Search – On the upper right side of the page there is a search box. Enter key words in the box and click Search Archive. This search function searches the subject lines and text of all messages in the archive. It returns results in chronological order with the most recent listed first.

 

View by Thread Click Thread option on the right side of the page. This will rearrange all messages into individual discussions (threads). Original questions will be followed by responses that are indented and include “Re:” before the subject.

 

Expand Click the expand link on the left side of the page. This will open up each message on the screen in order. This is great for printing out an entire discussion.

 

Msg. # Each message in the archive has a message # associated with it. If you see a post that you would like to return to, write down the message # and you can return to that message by entering the number in the Msg. # box on the site.

17.      Can I forward messages to others from the web site?

Yes. When viewing a question on the web site, notice the Forward link on the upper left. When clicked, it allows you to forward the post to anyone you wish. This is perfect for forwarding information to others in your facility from the web site.

18.      How do I reply to a single member from the web site?

We encourage you to contact other members if you wish to discuss subjects not applicable for the whole community, or to send “Thank You” notes. From the web site, you can click on a post from a member and then click reply on the upper left. This will bring up a message screen. You will see a drop down box with the OC name in it by default. If you click beside the box, you will see the option to reply directly to the person that sent the message.

19.      Will the message archive remain in the future?

Yes. As long as we use Yahoo! Groups to enable the African Music Discussion Group, the archive will remain. If we move away from Yahoo! Groups in the future, we will save the archive and make it accessible for future use in another application.

 

Miscellaneous: (Top of Page)

20.      Who manages the African Music Discussion Group?

The African Music Discussion Group grew out of the African Music Web ring and the former European African Music Independent Listserve.  The Online Community is moderated by Tony  He is accountable for the success of the OC program and should be contacted with any feedback or input.

Troubleshooting (Top of Page)

1.         Why did I stop receiving emails?

You are encouraged to check the web site archives if you are concerned that you are not receiving all the emails you should. If it appears that you have missed some messages, your organization's email server may be "bouncing" the African Music Discussion Group Messages. This means that when a message comes to you, your email server sends it back where it came from instead of sending it to you. If this happens repeatedly, Yahoo! deactivates your account. The Online Community Manager can reactive your account for you.

 

To find out why the messages are bouncing, click My Preferences on the upper right side of your OC's page. You will see a page with two sections: General Preferences and Email Addresses. In the email addresses section, you will see your email address followed by the link Bounce History. When you click on this link, you will see how many messages have bounced and what error caused the message to bounce. You should ask your Service Provider or IS department about this error to resolve the issue.

2.         Can I change my Yahoo! ID? How?

Yes, but it requires creating a new one and linking the new one to your account. To create a new Yahoo! ID, go to http://groups.yahoo.com and click Click here to Register. This will allow you to create a new Yahoo! ID. Remember your Yahoo! ID and password.

 

Next you will need to sign into the African Music Discussion Group with your old Yahoo! ID and click My Preferences at the top right of the page. Then click edit on the email addresses option on the right side. You will see a list of email addresses that you have converted.

 

To start over with a new Yahoo! ID, click Remove to the right of your email address. The site will alert you that you are removing the email address. Click Confirm. Next you should see options to Convert your email address or account. When you click Convert, you will see a screen expecting an authorization code. Yahoo! is sending the code in email. When it arrives and you enter it, you will be asked for your Yahoo! ID. Type in your NEW Yahoo! ID and the process will be complete; you should now have a new Yahoo! ID.

3.         What if I forgot my password and/or Yahoo! ID?

If you forgot your password, you can find it by clicking Trouble Signing In? on the http://groups.yahoo.com home page. The Moderator can also help you with your Yahoo! ID, but not your password.

4.         Can I call Yahoo! for help?

No. Yahoo! does not provide phone numbers for support. 

5.         Who should I call at NAME for help?

Tony Tunde is the main African Music Discussion Group Moderator and will be happy to help. Here is his contact information:

 

Tony Tunde

african_music-owner@yahoogroups.com

6.         Can Yahoo! help me solve my problems using the web site?

Yes and no. You are welcome to send an email to Yahoo! at support@yahoogroups.com reporting a problem or asking questions. Yahoo! will normally reply, but it may take up to a week. Plus, there is basic help provided on the web site.