Posting guidelines
The PMG Network Bulletin
1. What happens when I post?
Your posting goes into a regular bulletin, which is emailed to all members who subscribe to the bulletin.
Every bulletin will also appear on the website the same day it is emailed out to subscribers. An archive of the bulletins are available to read on the website at all times.
The online archive is also searchable on the website by keyword.
Your post goes in exactly as you write it – we don’t edit for spelling and grammar, so make sure you check this yourself.
Check your post carefully before you submit it – once a bulletin has been compiled, and emailed to members, there is no way to recall the post if there are errors in it.
Once registered, you can post by contacting the editors through the ‘Bulletin Posting Form’ on ‘The PMG Bulletin Network’ page on the website. This ensures they get your posting promptly, and appropriately so that people who want to reply to you can see your contact details.
2. When will my post appear?
Normally, your post will go in the next issue of the bulletin if you send it to us by mid afternoon on the day before the bulletin goes out.
If your post isn’t suitable for the bulletins (see 8 : Why was my post rejected?) you may have to rewrite and resubmit it for the next bulletin.
3. What can I post?
The bulletin is aimed at a specialist readership, and we try to make sure that every posting is relevant to the subscribers.
Are you replying to a post from a previous bulletin? Normally, you would reply to that person directly, using the contact details in their post. But if you think your post would be of general interest to readers, then please do post your reply to the bulletin. Examples might be – debates on services, general technical discussions.
The following kinds of posts are not accepted in any of the bulletins:
- Advertising individual availability for work or services.
- Commercial organisations making any offerings in direct competition with PMG.
4. What do I need to include in my posting?
Basically, as much information as possible! Often the editors have to reject a post because there isn’t enough information to help subscribers decide whether or not to respond. This means a delay in your post appearing, and you will probably be asked to rewrite and resubmit your post. To avoid this happening, check that you have covered the following points, where relevant:
Subject Line: Use something that sums up your post, including location and topic. For example: Experts need a stronger voice. (Dr. Jones, London)
Location: Have you made it clear where you are located? If you concern is relevant only to a specific demographic, section of the industry or geographical location. Be precise, be clear, be clinical.
Who are you? Are you a Doctor, Lawyer, company or organisation? If your post using the website, your posting will automatically include a link to your details, so that people can find out more. So make sure you keep your online card up to date.
5. The Legal bit
As publishers of the bulletins, PMG could be liable for any posts which breach UK law.
We are committed to the promotion of equal opportunities, and to the fair and courteous treatment of all Network Bulletin members.
So we ask you not only to observe the relevant sections of UK laws on discrimination and libel, but also to post with consideration for fellow readers.
6. Discrimination
Don’t be discriminatory in your post. We are not allowed by law to accept any posts that specify a particular racial or ethnic group, age or gender.
7. Libel
We don’t have the resources to research thoroughly every complaint subscribers might have about a company, an organisation, or an individual, so we can’t publish complaints against individuals or organisations.
If you have complaints or bad experiences, we’re happy to post a warning in general terms only, e.g. “make sure you check the guidelines before entering personal details with online medical companies”.
Don’t make rude or offensive comments about fellow subscribers.
8. Why was my post rejected?
If your post is rejected, the editor will get in touch with you directly by email, to advise you on what you need to do to rewrite and resubmit your ad.
If you follow the notes in these guidelines, your post is much more likely to be accepted immediately.
The most common reasons for rejection are:
- Not enough information provided (see Section 4)
- Commercial companies making competitive offerings, or posting more than once every two weeks.
- Your registration has expired or your email address is unconfirmed.
- Your post is discriminatory, or potentially libellous (see Section 6)
9. What happens once my post has been published?
People will respond to your post either directly to you by email, or by posting their own response to the bulletin. Replies will come from other members of the bulletin network. The PMG bulletin editors don’t usually offer specific individual advice, but they may respond to your post in the bulletin itself.
Please thank everyone who replied to you. If you have a large number of replies, just cut and paste their email addresses into the BCC field and you can send out a single reply to everyone. The bulletin thrives through the goodwill of its readers. It helps to promote your professional reputation, and ours, please take the time to return the courtesy of all who contribute.
GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR POST!