Can anyone join this list? Yes, anyone working in the field of writing and rhetoric studies is welcome to subscribe to the listserv.
Can anyone send messages to this list? Yes, any subscriber is able to send an email to the list for distribution.
How should I tag (#) messages I want to send? The list of approved hashtags is available here.
Can I send messages to this list in a language other than English? The list operates primarily in English.
Can anyone with non-institutional but a member of a corporate organization (say Duolingo) send messages to this list? The list administrators approve messages that are of broad interest to subscribers and that are clearly aligned with the list's goal of serving the profession of writing studies teacher-scholars. Purely commercial posts are unlikely to be approved.
How many times can I post about an event/topic? There is no formal limit, but it's good to be strategic. Follow initial posts with deliberate, deliberately timed reminders; practice restraint; and make good use of approved hashtags to sequence related announcements such as the #CFP for a publication or event and related #CONF or #RES announcements.
Since there are no discussions, what's the best way to make a request (e.g., for information, for help)? Label your query with the hashtag most closely related to your subject; specify what you would like respondents to send (e.g., links, bibliographic references, anecdotes); and clearly list your contact info (i.e., preferred email). As a courtesy, you might also offer to share info received (e.g., with all who contact you, with the WS-List).
Is this list affiliated with any professional organizations? Although this list is not affiliated with any professional organizations, members are welcome to post information and requests related to organizations in rhetoric and writing studies.
Are there any studies or publications about this list? Yes. Visit the About page for publications that focus on or draw heavily from the history of the WS-L/WPA-L.
What happens when I send my email to the WS-L email address? The message goes to Listserv (a platform for lists), and is held for review by a list administrator. If the post meets the expectations for distribution, it is approved for disseminating.
I sent my email, but I don't see that my post was distributed. What's happening? The Listserv 18.0 technology has a quirk where the sender does not receive a copy of the message they have distributed. You are able to check if it went through by going to the WS-L archive page and it will show whether the message has been sent.
Why can't I have a discussion on the list? When WPA-L was transitioned to Writing Studies-L, the decision was made by the list admin team and the moderation board (at the time, no longer active) to disable open discussion. WPA-L did not have a moderation/administrative review process and so all messages were distributed to all subscribers, hence the "discussion function."
What is the difference between a list administrator and list advisory board member? List administrators have the ability to review and approve or reject submitted messages. Advisory board members meet twice annually to discuss any logistical, functional, or other issues related to the listserv such as types of messages to be distributed, hashtags, any any questions or concerns that have been raised.
How many people are subscribed to the list? As of December 2024, there are 4,270 subscribers to WS-L.
Who subscribes to the list?
What are most frequently used tags?