The Statalist FAQ has been revised. A URL, as always, is given in the
footer added by Majordomo to postings.
At first sight it probably won't look much different, but we have made
numerous minor and a few major changes to the presentation.
Some rather dated material has gone. We no longer spell out (e.g.) how
certain features are not available to Stata 6 or Stata 7 users.
Otherwise
the most substantial changes arise directly or indirectly from various
threads on the list itself, particularly some discussions last
year on what did and did not promote good practice.
The FAQ is still longer than you, an individual reader, will (probably)
want to read. Sorry about that, but it's the union of what many
individual readers (should) want to know. Long experience indicates that
what is obvious or familiar to many is far from that to many others.
Either way, please recall that you are asked to read through the FAQ
before posting.
A brief executive summary follows my signature.
Nick
[email protected]
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Please...
Before posting, consider other ways of finding information [section 1].
Make the subject line informative [section 2.2].
Do not post formatted messages or attachments: send ASCII or plain text
[section 2.2].
Note that there are archives which can be searched [section 2.8].
Write clear questions [section 3.2].
Say exactly what you typed and exactly what Stata typed (or did) in
response. N.B. exactly! [section 3.3]
Specify if you are using an out-of-date version of Stata [section 3.3].
Say where command(s) you are using that are not part of official Stata
come from [section 3.3]
Always recall that members come from many different sciences [section
3.4]
Give precise literature references [section 3.4].
Specify the platform you are using if your question is specific to that
platform [section 3.4]
Explain details that may make sense only in your own corner of the world
[section 3.4]
Edit previous postings [section 3.4]
Start new threads with fresh postings, not replies [section 3.4].
Don't walk away from the thread you started [section 3.4].
Think twice about reposting a question [section 4].
Think twice about sending private emails to those active on Statalist
[section 5].
Write "Stata", not "STATA" [section 8.2].
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* For searches and help try:
* http://www.stata.com/support/faqs/res/findit.html
* http://www.stata.com/support/statalist/faq
* http://www.ats.ucla.edu/stat/stata/
