MPA
MEMBER LISTSERV
AN INTERNET COMMUNITY
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The Maryland Psychological Association has an e-mail listserv or discussion
group for members only.
Approximately 600+ members exchange referrals, discuss treatment issues,
keep up with MPA doings, and educate themselves about business-of-practice
issues through this "Member Listserv." This listserv is possible
through the generosity of APA, which hosts it on Listserv software on
one of APA's servers.
The following information provides instructions on: 1) how to use commands
on the listserv; 2) Netiquette; and 3) MPA listserv Rules and Policies.
As a member of the MPA listserv community, it is your obligation to
make sure you are aware of the information provided below:
1. JOINING THE MPA LISTSERV
As this is a list for MPA members only, those who wish to join the MPA
email list cannot do it without approval. Requests should be e-mailed
to Linda Dunn at members@marylandpsychology.org.
Once you are accepted to the MPA listserv, the address for sending e-mail
postings is:
MPA@lists.apapractice.org
2. ADJUSTING THE LIST TO YOUR NEEDS
Once you are on the listserv, you can communicate with the Listserv
software at APA to change how the list is delivered to you, to temporarily
stop getting messages, or to resign from the list.
3. TO SEND A MESSAGE TO THE MPA LISTSERV
To send a message to the MPA listserv software, address it to: listserv@lists.apapractice.org.
DO NOT use a subject line and send only the designated message (remember
you are talking to a computer).
**To send a message to any of the other MPA listservs, i.e., ECPN, MPALWG,
MPARC, etc., use the following address: listserv@cpqweb1.rints.com
(See #4 and #5 below for specific instructions.)
4. OTHER MESSAGES TO THE LISTSERV (listserv@lists.apapractice.org)
a) When you
are going on vacation and want to suspend your listserv membership
temporarily, send the following message (and nothing else):
SET MPA NOMAIL
(Substitute the word ECPN, or MPALWG, etc. for the word MPA when instructing
another listserv and send it to listserv@cpqweb1.rints.com.)
b) When you get back, send the following to begin getting mail again:
SET MPA MAIL
(Substitute the word ECPN, or MPALWG, etc. for the word MPA when instructing
another listserv and send it to listserv@cpqweb1.rints.com.)
c) If you would prefer to get all your MPA messages for the day in
one bundle, rather than as each comes through, send the message:
SET MPA DIGEST
(Substitute the word ECPN, or MPALWG, etc. for the word MPA when instructing
another listserv and send it to listserv@cpqweb1.rints.com.)
d) If you find you don't like the digest format, undo it by sending
the message:
SET MPA NODIGEST
(Substitute the word ECPN, or MPALWG, etc. for the word MPA when instructing
another listserv and send it to listserv@cpqweb1.rints.com.)
5. UNSUBSCRIBING FROM A LISTSERV
a) To unsubscribe from the MPA listserv, send a message to: listserv@lists.apapractice.org.
DO NOT use a subject line. Your message should say only:
SIGNOFF MPA
b) To unsubscribe from any other MPA listserv, send a message to:
listserv@cpqweb1.rints.com. DO NOT use a subject line. Your message
should say only:
SIGNOFF ECPN (or MPALWG
or MPARC, etc.)
6. NETIQUETTE
Because some members are just becoming comfortable with computers and
are new to email discussion groups, the following email etiquette rules
are posted here to help you become aware of the niceties of this type
of communication. These rules have evolved over time as people have
had experience with email lists.
Be sure to sign each message and include your email address. The header
or the signature message on your email may do this for you. However,
if you share an email account, be sure you are identified, at least
by your signature at the end of your message.
Try to keep your messages constructive, courteous, and brief.
Send personal messages (e.g., "Enjoyed dinner last night")
backchannel to the intended reader, not to the whole list.
Always check the address line before sending your message. With some
email programs, it is easy to send a message to the whole group by mistake
when you think you are replying to an individual. Besides cluttering
everyone's mailbox, this could be very embarrassing or even damaging
to you or someone else.
If you are replying to another's message, include only the essential
information from the previous message. When possible, put your reply
at the start of the message so that readers do not have to scroll past
repeated information to get the current message. Be extra careful with
this if you are using the digest format.
Be supportive of fellow list members. As discussion gets going furiously
on some topic, don't forget that some people on the list don't know
you are a sweetheart under that sarcastic growl! Keep it cool.
Be sure your subject heading reflects the content of your message. Sometimes
when a thread develops, the main content changes. If you continue to
use the original subject heading, others may be confused as to the current
content of the message.
Use copyrighted material only with permission (see below).
Please do not copy and distribute other members' communications unless
you have obtained their expressed permission to do so. Listserv members'
email communications are intended for the listserv membership only.
Essentially, this will maintain a boundary between the members' forum
and cyberspace at large and protect intended meanings and contexts.
7. MPA LISTSERV POLICIES AND RULES
The American Psychological Association Practice Organization (APAPO) provides the electronic mailing lists for MPA, and other state associations, without charge as a public service. In other words, MPA’s MARYLAND listserv is "hosted" by APAPO servers. As such, MPA and all participants must adhere to APA’s specific guidelines in order to remain a part of these services, particularly as applies to posting advertising, full-text articles, political endorsements, and discussions not appropriate to the tax status.
The MPA forum is available only to members of the Maryland Psychological Association. Participation is a privilege, not a right. Participants may be removed from the list under certain circumstances as described below. The MPA Executive Director is responsible for the enforcement of list policies.
8. RULES AND STANDARDS FOR THE MPA LISTSERV
In subscribing to this forum, and especially if you send messages to
the forum, you are agreeing to four rules.
The Rules are:
Rule 1: Do not use the forum for illegal purposes, including but not
limited to defamation of character, violation of intellectual property
laws, violation of antitrust or unfair competition laws, violation
of criminal laws, or infringement of copyright laws. Sending an entire
article to the listserv without the permission of the author or publisher
results in a prima facie case of copyright violation. A synopsis of
the article may be given and a link may be made to the original site.
Rule 2: Do not intentionally interfere with or disrupt other list
members, network services, or network equipment. This includes distribution
of unsolicited advertisement or chain letters, propagation of computer
worms and viruses, and use of the network to make unauthorized entry
to any other machine accessible via the Forum. CONTACT THE MPA WEBMASTER
IF YOU HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT A VIRUS OR WORM (webmaster@marylandpsychology.org).
Rule 3: Do not use the Forum for commercial purposes such as advertising
services as a consultant, available positions in your practice or
another private/public setting, available office space, or posting
a full ad for CEU/supervision opportunities. (MPA has a place for
advertising on its website and in the MPA newsletter.)
Rule 4: Do not use the listserv to support in any way electioneering,
soliciting funds, or the endorsement of a candidate for federal, state,
or local political office.
Permitted Advocacy Listserv Communications
List Administrators and List Users are required to comply with all relevant federal Internal Revenue Service and Federal Election Committee laws, regulations, guidelines, and procedures, and engage only in legally appropriate communications regarding political activity.
For example, this list can be used to openly discuss political advocacy activities generally; however, this list cannot be used to advocate for a particular candidate or to raise money for a particular candidate or Political Action Committee (PAC).
What Is Permitted?
Providing factual information about a PAC
Providing information about the amount of money the PAC has raised, and from whom
Providing factual information about which candidates have been supported by the PAC
For example, a communication on the listserv can:
Announce the existence of a candidate, or the existence of
a PAC and explain the laws and regulations that govern its
activities
Provide information about how much money a candidate
has raised, or how much money a PAC has raised, the
number of contributors, and the number of candidates
supported
Identify federal candidates who have been supported by a
PAC, as long as the message does not suggest that
financial contributions to the PAC would help elect or defeat those candidates
What Is a Not Permitted?
Any straightforward request for financial contributions to a candidate or PAC.
Providing information about a candidate or PAC if it:
o Publicizes the candidate or PAC in a way that encourages contributions
to the candidate or PAC;
o Provides information on how to contribute to the candidate or PAC; or,
o Encourages financial support for the candidate or PAC.
For example, a message on the listserv that commends individuals who have
contributed to a specific candidate or PAC is not allowed because it encourages
financial support.
If you break these rules then you will be unsubscribed using the procedure
outlined below because these rules govern the very heart of our arrangements
with our service provider.
The Standards are:
In your initial message to the list, please introduce yourself, your
professional affiliation, where you live or practice and any requests
or questions you may have.
Keep messages concise and to the point.
Sign all messages, include your email address.
If you use software that repeats a message in your response, please
repeat only that portion of the message that is essential.
Use the subject line to describe the content of your message. This
will help lists members who choose not to read all messages to decide
whether or not to read your message.
By following these rules and standards, a climate will be created that
encourages trust, collegiality and friendly, informative and spontaneous
discourse.
9. LISTSERV VIOLATION POLICY
Failure to adhere to the rules may result in your removal from the
list. The process for removal from the list is as follows:
1. A warning (via email) will be sent to the violator with a reminder
of the rules and explanation of the violation.
2. If the member continues to violate the rules of the list, MPA's
Executive Director will send the member a second warning. The member
will be informed of the nature of the violation(s) and will be informed
that a third violation will result in suspension from the forum for
six months.
3. A third violation will result in the member being suspended from
the list for six months.
After a person has been suspended from a listserv for six months they
may be eligible to resubscribe to the list. A reapplication for listserv
privileges will be made to the list administrator. Reapplication does
not guarantee immediate reinstatement. If reinstated, prior offenses
will be disregarded and the violation procedure will start again. If
not reinstated, the rational for the decision will be sent to the member.
Decisions not to reinstate a member shall be reviewed and approved by
the Executive Council prior to notification to the member.
In egregious cases, MPA's Executive Director can immediately suspend
the violator.
A fuller explanation of some of the Legal Risks of APA-hosted Listserv
use are described by Nathalie F. P. Gilfoyle, General Counsel, American
Psychological Association:
It is amazing to think that 10 years ago it was rare to meet someone
who participated in an electronic listserv. Today listservs are the
means of choice for people across the country and around the world to
discuss issues of common interest. This is particularly true in a professional
association like APA where knowledge is highly valued and lively debate
is welcome.
Lists or listservs have many positive attributes and can serve the interests
of furthering organizations' purposes in myriad ways. But because this
article is being written by APA legal counsel you probably know that
it will highlight some of the pitfalls that can ensnare the unwary in
list discussions. So here are a few of the top trouble areas and some
guidance on how List Administrators and List members can avoid problems.
1. Copyright -- Not infrequently a list member wants to tell others
about an article or news item related to the issues discussed on the
List. It may surprise you to learn that sending the entire article
to the list, without the permission of the author or publisher, results
in a prima facie case of copyright violation. While there can be defenses
to a claim of copyright infringement where the purpose of copying
is clearly not for commercial purposes (e.g. "fair use"
or academic teaching exceptions), those defenses are complicated,
have been construed differently in different jurisdictions and are
not necessarily applicable to listserv distribution. It is okay to
provide a brief quote from the copyrighted material or to provide
a link to the story if it is published electronically but it is best
to refrain from posting an entire item to the List.
2. Defamation -- Sometimes a robust debate about ideas spills over
into ad hominem attacks on the proponents or opponents of the ideas.
List members need to be reminded that a false statement that harms
someone's reputation can be actionable as libel. There is a substantial
difference between disagreeing with how someone did their research
or treated a patient and accusing the person of fraud or incompetence.
Because negative statements that impugn someone's professional qualifications
can cause substantial economic and emotional harm, this is an area
for careful scrutiny. Keeping criticism on an objective basis that
is factually verifiable and skipping personal commentary about character,
competence or motive minimizes legal risk.
3. Antitrust concerns -- The antitrust laws are broad and complex
but on a very basic level they operate to prohibit and even in some
cases criminalize certain anticompetitive agreements between competitors.
A professional association like APA is almost by definition a group
of competitors that has come together to pursue common interests.
Where those common interests involve agreements on such terms of competition
as rates charged, salaries paid, standards applicable to members of
the profession, and other issues of the marketplace, the antitrust
laws apply. Listservs provide a written record of statements that
can create an antitrust risk even when there is no anti-competitive
intent. Thus for the protection of everyone discussions about rates
charged in a given area, efforts to exert collective pressure on payors,
terms of contracts with insurance companies, internship salaries,
etc, all are prohibited.
4. Risks affecting tax exemption -- While using the list to endorse
political candidates in a federal, state, or local election or for
commercial purposes likely won't expose a member to personal legal
risk, it can jeopardize APA's tax exempt status under section 501
(c) 3 of the Internal Revenue Code. To keep this advantageous tax
status, APA cannot ever be involved in or support in any way electioneering
or endorse a candidate for federal, state, or local political office.
APA must assure that its activities are focused on the scientific,
educative, and charitable purposes for which it gained tax-exempt
status.
This list of legal risks is not exhaustive but List administrators who
keep an eye on these areas should be in good shape. As always if you
have doubt or questions contact any of us in the APA Office of General
Counsel.
