Archive-name: comics/reviews/technical
Posting-frequency: monthly
URL: http://www.enteract.com/~katew/faqs/
URL: http://www.enteract.com/~katew/faqs/revtech.htm

-= TECHNICAL GUIDE =-
   for rec.arts.comics.reviews

   Version 2000.02, last updated February 12, 2000
   Copyright 1995-2000 by Katharine E. Hahn

   SEND ADDITIONS / CHANGES / DEAD LINKS / MOVED LINKS / UPDATES TO:  
   Kate the Short,  racmx@yahoo.com  (mailto:racmx@yahoo.com)


------------------------------

Subject: Table of Contents

  Purpose / Charter  *  Keywords  *  Posting Problems
  Crossposting Criteria  *  Examples  *  Credits


------------------------------

Subject: Purpose / Charter


The purpose of this newsgroup is to review comic books, comic strips,
political cartoon compilations, comic-review publications, and the
like.  It is not meant as a discussion forum, nor as a place to
advertise comics and related publications.  Newly-issued single comics 
are what you'll see most of, but that does not mean that those are the 
*only* materials which may be posted here.  Other products that are 
considered reviewable include:

   Comics books, strips, political cartoons, and their compilations; 
   Movie/TV/prose adaptations of comic-book characters and stories;
   Biographies or histories of characters, pros, and the industry;
   rec.arts.comics.creative "issues" or "titles"; Industry-related 
   publications and magazines; Subscription companies and services;
   Archival/collecting materials; Cataloguing software; and
   Comics conventions
 
Things that are NOT reviews will be considered off-topic in this group.
Advertisements, large binaries, SPAM, general announcements, and 
discussion and followup posts are not permitted and will be rejected.  
If a post begins with "Re: " then it is treated as a followup and will 
be returned.  Additionally, reviews of things that aren't on-topic for
rec.arts.comics.reviews will be returned.


------------------------------

Subject: Keywords


Posts are most quickly posted if they follow a basic Subject Keyword
format.  Right now there are three standard Keywords that the bot looks
for, as well as checking the newsgroups line:  CAPSULES:, REVIEW:, and
PREVIEW.  Other subject-line keywords may be arranged with the moderator.

For example, here's the suggested Subject line format for a review:

REVIEW: TITLE #nnn  (any other information the author includes)

REVIEW: SUPERMAN #800  Quick Picks reviews

It's nice to put the review/column title last and the comic title first, 
because then all of the SUPERMAN #800 reviews can be listed in 
alphabetical order on a newsreader.

Please note that it's best to give *some* hint of which titles you're
discussing in your review;  don't just say "Mark's Reviews 11-2000".

When you follow up to a review, delete the stuff you aren't directly 
commenting on, including the other person's .sig file.  Place your 
response after each section you're commenting on, instead of at the very
top or very bottom of the post.  Leave white space after each paragraph.  
That makes it easier to understand what you're responding to, and makes 
your posts and responses a lot easier to read.  Make sure that your 
followups are only going to the newsgroups where the reviewed book or 
product would be discussed.  Thanks.


------------------------------

Subject: Posting Problems


Every once in a while, you'll have a review which seems to get lost in
the system.  This happens for a variety of reasons.

First, rac.reviews is a moderated group.  Reviews have to be approved so 
we know that they aren't spam or mega-crossposts.  Second, every once in 
a while your server may have problems sending out messages.  Check 
Deja.com to see if your posts to other newsgroups have made it out.

As of December 7, 1999, the following robo-moderation script is in place:

1) If the posting has a Followup-To:-header (FUT-header) that points
   anywhere but rec.arts.comics.reviews (racr), nothing is changed.

2) If the FUT-header points to racr and some other group, racr is
   removed from the FUT-header.

3) If the FUT-header points solely to racr or is not there at all, the
   robomod looks at the Newsgroups:-header.

   3a) If the Newsgroups:-header points to racr and some other groups,
       racr is removed and the FUT-header points to the other
       groups. (Meaning: If you crosspost your review to racr,
       rec.arts.comics.misc (racm) and rec.arts.comics.vertigo (racv),
       the FUT-header will point to racm and racv.)

   3b) If the Newsgroups:-header points solely to racr, the FUT-header
       will point to racm.

If you have any questions about the moderation, please direct them to 
the moderator, Peter B. Juul (mailto:racr-admin@enzym.rnd.uni-c.dk).  
If you tried to post and cannot, either use a different account or post 
a short, polite message to rec.arts.comics.misc asking if Peter's been 
receiving any of your emails.  For all we know, it could be his system 
that's temporarily down...


------------------------------

Subject: Crossposting Criteria


If you will be crossposting your review to a non-rac.* newsgroup, like
rec.arts.books.reviews, rec.arts.movies.reviews, or rec.arts.sf.reviews,
*please* make sure that your review fits that newsgroup's review 
criteria.  Crossposting is fine, and is even encouraged, but please 
make sure to read the FAQs of those groups so your reviews won't be 
rejected.

Followups should be set to three or fewer discussion groups, either
within the r.a.c.* hierarchy or within other *appropriate* hierarchies, 
not including the .reviews or .info newsgroups.


*** FAQ FOR REC.ARTS.BOOKS.REVIEWS

URL: ftp://rtfm.mit.edu/pub/faqs/books/reviews-faq

An essential read for anyone interested in crossposting book reviews to
rec.arts.books.reviews (such as prose comics novels, coffee table 
books, biographies, and the like).  


*** WELCOME TO REC.ARTS.SF.REVIEWS

URL: ftp://net.bio.net/pub/misc/sf-reviews/FAQ 

While I am not sure if this document is currently updated, its 
Guidelines still stand.  Individual issues of continuing comic books 
ARE NOT subject matter for r.a.sf.r.  "Series-within-series," or full 
runs of such comics, are.  Limited series (in whatever "format") ARE 
appropriate subject matter for r.a.sf.r.  The Subject line of r.a.sf.r 
postings MUST include the title of the work and the creator's name.  


*** Other Information

The current practice for posting movie reviews to rec.arts.movies.reviews 
is to list the subject as REVIEW: TITLE (year);  a quick glance at other 
reviews in the newsgroup rec.arts.movies.reviews should provide all of 
the information you need.

The current practice for posting Star Trek reviews to the newsgroup
rec.arts.startrek.reviews is to use these keywords:  TOS for the Original 
Series, TNG for Next Generation, DS9 for Deep Space Nine, and VOY for 
Voyager.  Comics would also have the keyword BOOK added to them, as in 
REVIEW: [TOS BOOK] STAR TREK #6 or the like.  Reading the newsgroup 
rec.arts.startrek.reviews will give you more examples.

The rec.arts.sf.reviews and rec.arts.books.reviews newsgroups prefer 
that bibliographic information be included in the addbib format 
(available in UNIX or just type it) so that it can be easily accessed 
from the archives.  It can be appended to the bottom of a review post 
as follows (an asterisk [*] denotes a required datum):

   %H   Header commentary, printed before reference
*  %A   Author's name (use a separate %A line for each)
*  %T   Title of article or book
*  %B   Anthology/collection title for individual stories/articles
   %E   Editor (of book or series)
*  %I   Issuer (publisher's name and imprint)
   %C   City (place of publication)
*  %D   Date of publication
*  %G   Government order number (use this for ISBN)
   %P   Page number(s) (use for page count)
   %S   Series title
   %V   Volume number
   %O   Comments/etc. (use for format/price, ordering info) 
   %J   Journal containing article
   %K   Keywords  


------------------------------

Subject: Examples

Here are some examples following the usual formats for the reviews.
Followups are set to the most appropriate rac.* newsgroup; you can add 
other appropriate newsgroups as needed.  


ACTION FIGURES:
 Subject:  REVIEW: Spawn action figure series
 Item:     Spawn action figure line
 Also to:  rec.arts.comics.other-media, rec.toys.action-figures, 
           alt.comics.image
 Follows:  rec.arts.comics.other-media
 Include:  Names of figures, manufacturer.  Size of figures, accessories
           included.  Packaging, cost, etc.


BIOGRAPHIES: 
 Subject:  REVIEW: COMIC BOOK HEROES, by John Jones
 Item:     Comic Book Heroes quasi-biography
 Also to:  rec.arts.comics.misc, rec.arts.books.reviews (mod), 
           rec.arts.books
 Follows:  rec.arts.comics.misc
 Include:  TITLE by author.  Publisher, publisher address.  Online
           publisher contact info (if any).  Whether it has photos, 
           illustrations, index, maps, notes, etc.  Number of pages, 
           $cost and binding.  ISBN number.  etc.


CARTOONS:
 Subject:  REVIEW: X:TAS Dark Phoenix Saga
 Item:     X-Men Dark Phoenix Saga (Cartoon Version)
 Also to:  rec.arts.comics.other-media, rec.arts.animation, rec.arts.tv
 Follows:  rec.arts.comics.other-media
 Include:  Title, network/studio, airing time, video cost, voices, etc.


COMICS (SINGLE-ISSUE):
 Subject:  PREVIEW: Marvel's Star Trek Comics
 Item:     Star Trek comic book
 Also to:  rec.arts.comics.misc, rec.arts.startrek.reviews (mod)
           rec.arts.startrek.misc
 Follows:  rec.arts.comics.misc
 Include:  Title, issue number, publisher, writers, artists, colorists,
           editors, cost, pages, etc.


COMICS (ARC/MINISERIES):
 Subject:  REVIEW: STAR WARS DARK FORCES #1-4, by Marcus et al
 Item:     Star Wars miniseries
 Also to:  rec.arts.comics.misc, rec.arts.sf.starwars.misc,
           rec.arts.sf.reviews (mod)
 Follows:  rec.arts.comics.misc
 Include:  TITLE, number of issues, publisher, writers, artists, colorists,
           editors, cost, pages, etc.


COMICS (STRIP):
 Subject:  REVIEW: Mr. Boffo
 Item:     Mr. Boffo daily strip
 Also to:  rec.arts.comics.strips
 Follows:  rec.arts.comics.strips
 Include:  Title, writers, artists.  Publisher/syndicate, frequency of
           publication (daily/Sunday), etc.


COMICS (WEB):
 Subject:  REVIEW: Pat's Web Cartoon
 Item:     Pat's Web Cartoon
 Also to:  rec.arts.comics.misc
 Follows:  rec.arts.comics.misc
 Include:  Title, writers, artists.  Site location.  Size of comic.  
           How often it changes, etc.


COMPILATIONS:
 Subject:  REVIEW: BLOOM COUNTY: BABYLON, by Berke Breathed
 Item:     Bloom County: Babylon trade paperback
 Also to:  rec.arts.comics.strips, rec.arts.books.reviews (mod),
           rec.arts.books
 Follows:  rec.arts.comics.strips
 Include:  TITLE by author.  Publisher, publisher address.  Online
           publisher contact info (if any).  Whether it has photos,
           illustrations, index, maps, notes, etc.  Number of pages,
           $cost and binding.  ISBN number.  etc.


CONVENTIONS:
 Subject:  REVIEW: Wizard World Chicago Comicon
 Item:     Chicago Comics Convention
 Also to:  rec.arts.comics.misc, alt.comics.fandom
 Follows:  rec.arts.comics.misc, alt.comics.fandom
 Include:  Convention name, contact addresses and phone numbers, place
           time and dates of event, daily/weekend pass rates, events
           usually included.  Available lodging and cost, available 
           parking and cost, availability of food, usual attendence
           figures, etc.


CREATIVES:
 Subject:  REVIEW: LNH #6: Creative Critiques
 Item:     LNH rac.creative issues
 Also to:  rec.arts.comics.creative
 Follows:  rec.arts.comics.creative
 Include:  Title, writer, frequency of net.issues, archive location,
           etc.


FANFICS:
 Subject:  REVIEW: Heroes Re-Reborn
 Item:     alt.comics.fan-fiction stories
 Also to:  alt.comics.fan-fiction, rec.arts.comics.marvel.universe
 Follows:  alt.comics.fan-fiction
 Include:  Title, writer, frequency of net.issues, number of chapters.
           Archive location, etc.


MAGAZINES:
 Subject:  REVIEW: WIZARD Magazine
 Item:     WIZARD: The Guide to Comics
 Also to:  rec.arts.comics.misc
 Follows:  rec.arts.comics.misc
 Include:  Title, publisher, editors, size, single/yearly issue costs,
           subscription info, usual columns/features, reliability, etc.


MAILING LISTS:
 Subject:  REVIEW: STRIPE Mailing List
 Item:     Stripe Mailing list
 Also to:  rec.arts.comics.marvel.xbooks, news.groups.reviews
 Follows:  rec.arts.comics.marvel.xbooks
 Include:  Name of list, request address, submission address, listowner.
           Average traffic daily, approximate number of subscribers.
           Web address, etc.


MANGA:
 Subject:  REVIEW: Oh My Goddess! Special
 Item:     Oh My Goddess! manga comic
 Also to:  rec.arts.manga
 Follows:  rec.arts.manga
 Include:  Title, issue number, publisher, writers, artists, colorists,
           editors, cost, pages, etc.


MOVIES:
 Subject:  REVIEW: BATMAN AND ROBIN (1997)
 Item:     Batman and Robin movie
 Also to:  rec.arts.comics.other-media, rec.arts.movies.reviews (mod),
           rec.arts.movies.current-films
 Follows:  rec.arts.comics.other-media
 Include:  TITLE, (year), MPAA rating, studio, running time, actors, 
           directors, writers, video cost, etc.


NOVELS:
 Subject:  REVIEW: WHAT SAVAGE BEAST, by Peter A. David
 Item:     Hulk novel
 Also to:  rec.arts.comics.other-media, rec.arts.comics.marvel.universe,
           rec.arts.books.reviews (mod), rec.arts.books,
           rec.arts.sf.reviews (mod), alt.fan.peter-david
 Follows:  rec.arts.comics.other-media, alt.fan.peter-david
 Include:  TITLE by author.  Publisher, publisher address.  Online
           publisher contact info (if any).  Whether it has photos,
           illustrations, index, maps, notes, etc.  Number of pages,
           $cost and binding.  ISBN number.  etc. 


SOFTWARE:
 Subject:  REVIEW: WIZARD AbleSoft Collecting Software
 Item:     Collecting Software
 Also to:  rec.arts.comics.misc, rec.arts.comics.marketplace 
 Follows:  rec.arts.comics.misc, rec.arts.comics.marketplace
 Include:  Title, publisher, cost.  System type and requirements.
           Disks, manuals, other included materials.  Possibility for
           additions or upgrades, etc.

------------------------------

Subject: Credits

The Welcome Keeper would like to thank:

* Peter B. Juul, for moderating rac.reviews,
* Mike Chary, for contributing his Arrogant Guide to Reviewing,
* Aardy R. DeVarque for critiquing everything under the sun for me,
* and all the RAC'ers who made rac.* a welcome place to begin with.


-- 
Kate the Short * http://www.enteract.com/~katew/

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