Mailing List Conventions

[Pete Dietl]

I am new to using mailing lists in general and I want to use it properly. Is there is a document somewhere that explains the conventions of using it. Like how conversations are grouped together and what context I should provide when replying to someone?

Other questions:

* What is the convention for quoting other people?

* Is there a convention for using HTML vs plaintext?

* Do you always reply to the person replying to you and to the entire mailing list?

I apologize if this is common knowledge for most. :p

I know that common mail clients do magic grouping and hiding for you.