Whether you’re a new member or a longtime supporter, one thing is for sure – there’s a secret code in Fredslist that can give even the best of us a moment of pause.

In fact, it took me two years to figure out what some of the language meant (and I’m a Chair!). So, for those members are still wondering quietly, here’s a quick and easy reference guide to what some of those rapid-fire Fredslist emails mean:

• Renatto: You’ll see this pop up in subject lines quite frequently. A ‘Renatto’ is sent when you’ve received enough responses to the help you requested on Fredslist. For example, you’ll often see “Renatto on estate attorneys,” or “Renatto on networking connections.” The Renatto was named for Renato Tichauer, a Gotham member who sent a “Thank you, I have received enough responses” email to Fredslist, a polite way to let everyone know that they did not need to send him anymore emails as he had received enough. Over time, Gotham members adopted the “Renatto” as their way of signaling that they had received more than enough responses.

• Seelig: The Seeling is a compilation of responses received to a Fredslist request. Like the ‘Renatto,’ the ‘Seeling’ was named for Carol Seeling, a Gotham member who compiled all of the responses she received and shared them with Fredslist. Seeling emails are fantastic resources for those who want to keep a checklist of connections and contacts at their fingertips.

• Ride The Circuit: ‘Riding The Circuit’ refers to Gotham members of one group who attend the meeting of another group. Riding the circuit is an excellent way to get to know other Gotham groups in your area – in fact, I do my best to ride the circuit whenever I’m in NYC. All Gotham groups are open to circuit riders, but be sure to check with the group’s Group Coordinator first!

• Gotham Magic – At least once a day, you’ll see an email pop up from a fellow Gotham member on Fredslist asking for ‘a little Gotham Magic.’ This term is used when a member is looking for some extra help from the Gotham nation. The request could be anything – a connection to a service provider, access to hard-to-get tickets. Yet whatever the request, Gotham members know to pop open that email first to see how they can help their fellow members succeed.

Are there other terms that pop up on Fredslist that I missed? If so, share them in the comments today!